Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Duncan Aviation’s satellite avionics shop in Houston has completed its first installation of a SpaceX Starlink satcom system. The low-earth-orbit Starlink constellation provides high-speed connectivity globally.
The Duncan Aviation installation was in a Bombardier Global XRS using a supplemental type certificate (STC) developed by Nextant Aerospace. The Houston satellite has seven additional Starlink installations on its schedule, and two of these will be for the Global XRS customer.
“Although this was our first installation, the avionics and structures teams were impressed by the well-organized STC and kit that allowed us to perform the installation well within the three weeks we had allotted,” said Houston satellite manager Mark Winter. “We expected to encounter some problems since it was our first Starlink installation, but it couldn’t have gone more smoothly.”
According to Duncan Aviation, because Starlink is an internet-only system, the installation process is simpler. “While it does have the capability to integrate with cabin management systems or any other system on the aircraft, it doesn’t need to. Using their own devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, passengers may connect to their office’s virtual private network, stream media, play games, or Facetime with family and enjoy uninterrupted coverage around the world.”

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Starlink Installations Move Forward at Duncan Aviation

The company's first installation in a Global XRS took three weeks

The Duncan Aviation installation was in a Bombardier Global XRS using a supplemental type certificate developed by Nextant Aerospace.

Starlink Installs Move Forward at Duncan Aviation

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Approval for these aircraft is expected in early 2025

West Star Developing Three Embraer Gogo Galileo STCs

Going back to natural materials can have advantages in sustainability.

Austrian company F/List Is Using New Materials for Greener Cabin Interiors

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

SpaceX

Duncan Aviation

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

West Star Developing Three Embraer Gogo Galileo STCs

Approval for these aircraft is expected in early 2025

Austrian company F/List Is Using New Materials for Greener Cabin Interiors

Going back to natural materials can have advantages in sustainability.

Stack Aero Integrates Tuvoli’s FlyEasy

Platform generates more than 200,000 charter requests

Gogo HDX Satcom Antenna Passes DO-160 Testing

System is on track for launch of service later this year

Gogo Galileo Signs Wheels Up and Textron Aviation

LEO satcom is expected to begin service by the end of the year

Heico Expands Bizjet Foothold with Mid Continent Controls Buy

Mid Continent leaders will retain a 12% stake in company

Gulfstream First OEM To Receive Starlink STC

Approval adds option for service center installations

Rotortech and West Star Aviation Upgrade Audio Systems

Both companies installed PS Engineering’s PAC45 digital audio systems in two separate aircraft

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN