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

After SpaceX raised prices for its aviation Starlink low-earth-orbit satcom service earlier this year, the company revised those prices last week. General aviation Starlink users can now use more data for the same or slightly lower cost, depending on their plan.
The revised pricing lowered the former Aviation 300 (mph) plan from 20 GB for $250 per month to $200 for 50 GB, now called the General Aviation Local plan. The former Aviation 450 (mph) plan provided 20 GB for $1,000 per month, but that has changed to 50 GB for the same amount and is now called General Aviation Global.
While prices for business aviation plans haven’t changed, the names have. The former Business Jet 20 GB ($2,000 per month) is now the Aviation Jet 20 GB. And the Business Jet Unlimited plan ($10,000 per month) is now Aviation Jet Unlimited.
This move coincides with a recent Federal Communications Commission change that “allows Starlink user terminals to operate down to 5 degrees elevation (versus prior operational constraints around 25 degrees),” according to Gil Motta, founder of Avionics Networks, a manufacturer of Wi-Fi routers and Starlink mini antenna mounting systems.
“In aviation, the installation geometry defines whether this change matters, or not,” he explained. Side-mounted Starlink mini antenna installations, which many pilots are using because there is no place to mount the antenna facing skyward, will benefit from this change. “For side-mounted installations…the antenna is naturally horizon-looking, not zenith-looking like rooftop or fuselage-top systems. With the new 5-degree limit, a much larger segment of the satellite trajectory becomes usable.” Avionics Networks offers the Pilot Kit for mounting a Starlink Mini antenna in a side window.
Recognizing the growing interest in Starlink use in light airplanes, Cirrus Aircraft has developed a Mini antenna installation kit for SR series piston singles from the late G3 through G7+ models. The FLEX SR&nbsp;Series Mount for Starlink can be installed by Cirrus authorized service centers, and it mounts in the SR’s rear window, facing the sky. An optional feature is a 100-watt USB-C power outlet, which eliminates the need for a battery pack. Prices range from $1,050 to $1,600, plus installation.
“The new FLEX&nbsp;SR Mount&nbsp;supports the Starlink&nbsp;Mini&nbsp;to provide&nbsp;Cirrus&nbsp;owners with&nbsp;Wi-Fi&nbsp;throughout&nbsp;their&nbsp;flight,” said Cirrus CEO Zean Nielsen. “Our team thoughtfully integrated owner feedback to develop&nbsp;a&nbsp;seamless SR series&nbsp;aircraft accessory&nbsp;to&nbsp;enable&nbsp;connectivity during&nbsp;flight.”&nbsp;

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 Revises Pricing for General Aviation Starlink Access

New service levels provide more data for the same or lower pricing

General aviation Starlink users can now use more data for the same or slightly lower cost, depending on the plan.

SpaceX Revises Pricing for GA Starlink Access

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

 19-seat electric regional aircraft also available in eight-seat executive layout 

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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.

IFX is an in-house-developed product line available for a variety of aircraft

Jet Aviation Plants Own Brand on IFE/CMS

Chad Trautvetter

Anniversary coincides with that of 1986 Voyager nonstop round-the-world flight

Bose Celebrates 40 Years of ANR Aviation Headsets

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Celestia cabin management system also installed on aircraft

Rosen Installs Record IFE Display in VVIP Widebody

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

Cirrus Aircraft

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

Aura Aero Unveils Reconfigured ERA Cabin Concept

19-seat electric regional aircraft also available in eight-seat executive layout

Jet Aviation Plants Own Brand on IFE/CMS

IFX is an in-house-developed product line available for a variety of aircraft

Bose Celebrates 40 Years of ANR Aviation Headsets

Anniversary coincides with that of 1986 Voyager nonstop round-the-world flight

Rosen Installs Record IFE Display in VVIP Widebody

Celestia cabin management system also installed on aircraft

Astronics Introduces Qi2 Wireless Charging, USB-C Port

Installable in a variety of locations, including seats, galleys, and crew rest areas

Owners Control the Map with FlightPath3D’s BizAvStudio

Tool simplifies process of making changes, including adding company branding

Aero DC Adds Embraer 135s, 145s to Starlink STC List

High-speed, low-latency satcom available via low-earth-orbit network

F/List Branches into Rotorcraft Cabin Furnishings

The company will be showing its innovations at Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg

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