SpaceX Partners With JSE To Provide Internet Network For Commercial Aviation

SpaceX provides internet service on board aircraft. (photo credit: pixabay)

JAKARTA - SpaceX signed its first agreement with an airline to provide in-flight wireless internet using the Starlink satellite network. The new contract was announced by the space company on Thursday, April 21.

SpaceX has managed to get ahead of rivals, other satellite companies that are developing to put high-speed internet on commercial airline flights.

The company, which is owned by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, has been in talks for months with airlines to provide Starlink internet on their flights. It is also a key branch in SpaceX's strategy to capture enterprise customers beyond consumers and households in rural areas, around the world, with little or no internet access.

The deal with the JSE's semi-private jet service, requires Starlink to equip 100 aircraft with Starlink internet terminals. Starlink's first internet-connected aircraft will make their maiden flight later this year. Unfortunately, a spokesperson for the JSX declined to disclose the value of the partnership between them and Starlink.

SpaceX has currently launched around 2,000 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit since 2019. Although the network is not yet fully deployed, it is already offering broadband internet services to thousands of customers in several countries for $110 per month.

SpaceX has sought approval from the US Federal Communications Commission to operate Starlink on aircraft and shipping vessels. They have previously tested the internet on several Gulfstream jets, as well as military aircraft.

Starlink services on JSX aircraft will not be charged to JSX customers. The internet network on this charter plane also does not require logins or other hassles associated with the existing built-in system.