Cabin connectivity, once an OEM-only option, continues to trickle down into the used jet marketplace today. Hawkers have just entered the fray with Textron’s latest announcement that gives owners another tool to remain competitive in today’s business aviation market.Textron Aviation announced that Starlink connectivity is now available for Hawker 700, 800, and 900 series aircraft following FAA approval of AeroMech’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). Starlink uses a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite system for connectivity. LEO satellites fly lower than the Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) systems that serve older jets, which dramatically shortens signal latency. Starlink satellites orbit roughly 550 km up, while GEO satellites sit around 35,800 km. That shorter distance allows faster speeds that support video calls, live streaming and cloud access from the cabin.The Hawker aircraft fleet is in an awkward spot in the current market. The Hawker 900XP received FAA type certification in August 2007, making it about 19 years old. This places the line in the legacy category of jets. While it is highly capable from a performance standpoint, buyers are increasingly comparing the fleet to newer jets on the market along with their modern amenities. That comparison can be challenging for older aircraft, but a fleet-wide connectivity solution helps Hawkers compete more effectively with newer connected fleets.Why it mattersFor Hawker owners and brokers, Starlink may prove to be more of a marketability upgrade than a connectivity upgrade. Connectivity is rapidly becoming part of the resale equation for legacy business jets. Aircraft with modern internet capability are easier to position against newer competitors when compared to those without it. For a fleet as large and established as the Hawker series, that makes this announcement less about bandwidth and more about long-term value.
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