Textron Aviation brings Starlink connectivity to Hawker 700, 800 and 900 series via FAA-approved STC
Why It MattersRetrofitting Starlink connectivity onto legacy midsize jets through an STC shows how satellite broadband is becoming a standard upgrade path for older business aircraft rather than a feature limited to new production.
What happened
Textron Aviation Inc. announced on September 8, 2026 that Starlink high-speed internet is now available for Hawker 700, 800 and 900 series aircraft, following the Federal Aviation Administration's issuance of an AeroMech Supplemental Type Certificate.
The STC covers the Starlink Aviation Performance Kit, which uses Starlink's Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation to provide in-flight connectivity over land, water and remote areas where traditional in-flight Wi-Fi may lack coverage. The system supports streaming, video calls, gaming and other online applications.
Industry impact & what to watch
Certification through a Supplemental Type Certificate is the standard mechanism operators use to bring new capability to aircraft already in service, letting owners of older midsize jets add connectivity without waiting for a new airframe purchase. Extending that path to the Hawker 700, 800 and 900 series signals demand for satellite broadband among owners of legacy business jets, not just buyers of new aircraft.
Low Earth Orbit connectivity is increasingly positioned against older geostationary in-flight Wi-Fi systems on the basis of coverage over remote and oceanic routes, where traditional systems can lose signal. Owners weighing the upgrade will want to see installation timelines, cost, and confirmation of which Hawker variants and avionics configurations the AeroMech STC applies to before scheduling downtime for the retrofit.
