Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc, has announced a significant upgrade in its in‑flight connectivity options for the Cessna Citation Longitude. Following the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) issuance of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to AeroMech, the Starlink high-speed internet system is now available for installation on the Longitude. This addition builds on Textron Aviation’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art capabilities to its business jet clients.
Background: Why This Matters
In modern business aviation, reliable connectivity is no longer a luxury — it’s an operational necessity. Executives, flight crews, and passengers increasingly rely on constant access to video conferencing, real-time data services, cloud tools, and messaging platforms even during airborne segments. Conventional in-flight Wi-Fi systems, often based on geostationary satellites or air-to-ground links, can show limitations in coverage, bandwidth, or latency—especially over oceans, remote land areas, or sparsely served regions.
Starlink, a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network operated by SpaceX, promises a more robust alternative. Because its satellites fly much closer to Earth, they can deliver lower latency and higher performance, while the dense constellation gives better global coverage. AeroMech has leveraged these advantages to obtain the STC necessary to legally integrate Starlink into the Citation Longitude’s systems.
With this certification in hand, Longitude owners and operators now have the option to upgrade their aircraft so that connectivity is more seamless across diverse geographic routes—over land, sea, and remote territories where legacy networks struggle.
The Announcement & What It Means
Textron’s official announcement states that, with the new option, “customers can enjoy high-speed, reliable connectivity that keeps them productive and connected throughout their flight.” (media.txtav.com) According to the release, the Citation Longitude already boasts features such as a quiet cabin, extended range, and sophisticated avionics. The addition of Starlink-based broadband is intended to enhance the overall passenger experience and allow customers to better focus on their mission without worrying about connectivity gaps. (media.txtav.com)
Brian Rohloff, Senior Vice President of Customer Support at Textron Aviation, emphasized that this new option elevates the in-flight experience and aligns with the expectations of modern business aviation customers. (media.txtav.com)
Technical Details: The STC & Installation
What the STC Covers
The STC granted to AeroMech empowers the integration of Starlink into the Citation Longitude. It authorizes retrofits (post‑delivery) under controlled conditions. The core concept is that the aircraft can host the Starlink system—antenna, power supply, and wireless access point—without requiring invasive integration into existing avionics or systems beyond basic power feeds. (media.txtav.com)
In practical terms, the AeroMech solution is a standalone system. It requires only aircraft power to function; no deep tie-in to the aircraft’s communications or data buses is necessary. This mitigates complexity, reduces retrofit risks, and helps shorten downtime. (media.txtav.com)
Components of the System
- Aero Terminal (Antenna): The physical satellite interface mounted on the aircraft.
- Power Supply Unit (PSU): Converts aircraft electrical power for system use.
- Wireless Access Point (WAP): Enables devices in the cabin to connect via Wi-Fi.
These components are packaged into a kit that AeroMech supplies to authorized installers. (media.txtav.com)
Textron Aviation will allow owners to schedule the upgrade at its North American Service Centers and select international service locations. (media.txtav.com)
Coverage & Performance
While Textron’s press release does not disclose precise bandwidth or latency numbers for the Longitude installation, historical AeroMech and Starlink data suggest the system may support download speeds in the tens to low hundreds of megabits per second, with latency low enough to support video calls, streaming, and data-intensive applications. (AeroMech Inc and AMI Aviation)
Moreover, because of the LEO satellite model, coverage is more uniform across different terrains, including remote or overwater routes where conventional Wi-Fi systems falter. (AeroMech Inc and AMI Aviation)
Context: Textron’s Broader Connectivity Strategy
This is not Textron’s first foray into Starlink-enabled aircraft. The company has progressively expanded its support for Starlink across its range of business jets and turboprops:
- Earlier, Textron rolled out the Starlink upgrade option for the Cessna Citation Latitude following AeroMech’s STC for that model. (investor.textron.com)
- It has also offered the upgrade for Beechcraft King Air B200/300 and Cessna Citation 560XL series aircraft. (investor.textron.com)
- For the Citation X / X+ models, Textron similarly obtained AeroMech’s STC to enable Starlink installation. (investor.textron.com)
AeroMech, through its ODA (Organization Designation Authorization), acts as a design and certification partner, producing STCs for multiple aircraft types and working with OEMs like Textron to support aftermarket connectivity solutions. (AeroMech Inc and AMI Aviation)
By adopting this incremental rollout, Textron is positioning itself to offer its customers a consistent upgrade path for connectivity across its product lines.
Implications & Benefits
For Aircraft Operators
- Improved Operational Efficiency: Crews can remain connected to flight operations, dispatch, real-time weather, and data systems without interruption.
- Higher Passenger Satisfaction: Passengers expecting a “business-class” standard of internet—even at 30,000 ft—will find enhanced reliability, speed, and reach.
- Flexible Retrofitting: The minimal-integration approach means operators can retrofit existing airframes without major structural or avionics overhauls.
For Textron’s Market Position
- Competitive Differentiator: As business aviation increasingly emphasizes connectivity, offering Starlink as an integrated option bolsters Textron’s appeal.
- Aftermarket Revenue Opportunity: The upgrade path can generate ongoing service, support, and installation revenue.
- Future-Ready Fleet: Leveraging LEO satellite networks helps ensure that Textron’s fleet remains compatible with next-generation connectivity standards.
Challenges & Considerations
- Regulatory & Certification Oversight: Even with the STC in hand, local aviation authorities in other countries (e.g. EASA, TCCA) may require additional validations.
- Operational Certification: Users must ensure that the integration aligns with their Part 135 / Part 91 / other regulatory operations and that interference with avionics is mitigated.
- Maintenance, Support & Reliability: Over time, ensuring that repair, maintenance, and software updates for the Starlink equipment are available globally will be essential.
- Spectrum and Interference: Operating in congested airspaces or in proximity to other systems may require careful electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) planning.
The introduction of Starlink capability on the Citation Longitude is a strong signal of how business aviation connectivity is evolving. As more operators demand seamless, high-bandwidth service in flight, the role of LEO satellite networks is becoming central to that promise.
Textron and AeroMech may extend these upgrades to further models—such as the upcoming Cessna SkyCourier, Citation Sovereign / Sovereign+, or even Hawker platforms—depending on certification progress. (AeroMech Inc and AMI Aviation)
For prospective buyers or owners of the Citation Longitude, the new Starlink option offers a meaningful capability uplift. As the system becomes more widespread and field-proven, it may well redefine expectations for what “in-flight Wi-Fi” can deliver.