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

Starlink satcom operator SpaceX is reducing the maximum speed allowed for Starlink Roam, Local Priority, and Global Priority service plans from 471 to 391 knots groundspeed. The company notified users of the 80-knot reduction in a recent update.
“Effective November 7, 2025, we will be lowering the maximum supported operating groundspeed for all Roam, Local Priority, and Global Priority Plans from 550 mph (471 knots) to 450 mph (391 knots). The adjustment is part of our ongoing efforts to optimize network performance and ensure reliable service for all users.”
The update went on to suggest, “If this change affects your connectivity needs—particularly for high-speed in-motion applications—we encourage you to consider upgrading to one of our Aviation plans (20 GB or Unlimited).” There are no such speed limits on the Starlink Aviation plans.
Lowering the top speed limit for the non-Aviation plans affects users who are carrying a Starlink Mini antenna on their aircraft and mounting it in a location that can view the sky using suction cups or other non-permanent mechanisms. SpaceX recently lowered the Starlink Mini antenna kit price to $299, and various companies such as Sporty’s Pilot Shop, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-04-23/avionics-networks-offers-aircraft-starlink-mini-kits">Avionics Networks</a>, and others sell packages that enable mounting in the aircraft and connection to a suitable power supply.
Thus far, Epic Aircraft is the only OEM that has installed a Starlink Mini antenna, in this case with a permanent fixture outside the E1000 AX’s fuselage, under a blister fairing. The E1000 AX’s maximum speed is 333 ktas, so the turboprop single isn’t affected by the new limits (sans any 50-knot-plus tailwinds).
Roam service costs $50 per month for 50 GB or $165 per month for unlimited service. Local and Global Priority plan prices vary and aren’t published on the Starlink website.
Given the far lower price of Starlink Mini Roam and Priority plans, it is understandable that aircraft owners and operators might view carriage of a Starlink Mini system as portable equipment (and thus not covered by FAA installation certification regulations unless permanently mounted) as a desirable option. Starlink Mini users can opt to pay for the pricier Aviation plans and not worry about groundspeed limits. However, they must ensure that the Starlink Mini system does not interfere with onboard avionics or systems.
Starlink Aviation plans range from $2,000 per month for 20 GB plus $100 per additional GB to $10,000 per month for unlimited service. Installation of a Starlink Aviation system costs upward of $300,000 (hardware cost is $150,000), and the antenna is relatively large. The smallest aircraft on which a Starlink Aviation system has been installed is a Beechcraft King Air 200.

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.

SpaceX Chops Starlink Roam, Local/Global Priority Plans by 80 Knots

Maximum speed for non-Aviation plans will top out at 391 knots

The lowered top speed limit for the non-Aviation plans will affect users with a Starlink Mini antenna on their aircraft mounted using non-permanent mechanisms. 

SpaceX Chops Starlink Roam, Priority Plans by 80 Knots

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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