By 
[Wichita, Sept 8, 2026] —
Textron Aviation Inc., the aerospace arm of Textron Inc., has officially launched a high-speed internet upgrade for the Hawker 700, Hawker 800, and Hawker 900 aircraft series. By leveraging the Starlink Aviation Performance Kit, the company is bringing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite capabilities to these business jets, drastically reducing the connectivity gaps typically found in traditional aviation Wi-Fi.
The rollout is made possible through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) issued by AeroMech and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowing for the legal and safe integration of the hardware into the existing airframes.
Advanced LEO Satellite Integration for Hawker Fleets
The shift toward Low Earth Orbit (LEO) technology represents a significant departure from traditional geostationary satellites, which often suffer from high latency and intermittent signals. The Starlink Aviation Performance Kit allows Hawker operators to maintain a stable, high-bandwidth connection regardless of their geographic location.
This is particularly impactful for long-haul flights crossing oceans or traversing remote polar regions where conventional onboard Wi-Fi typically fails. By utilizing a constellation of satellites positioned much closer to Earth, the system ensures that passengers and flight crews remain connected to the digital world without the "dead zones" that have historically plagued the business aviation sector.
Performance Metrics and Digital Capabilities
The technical specifications of the Starlink upgrade place these Hawker jets on par with high-end ground-based fiber connections. The system is engineered to handle data-heavy applications that were previously impossible or unstable in the air.
According to technical data provided for the installation, the connectivity performance is as follows:
| Metric | Performance Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum Download Speed | Up to 1 Gbps |
| Maximum Upload Speed | Up to 100 Mbps |
| Minimum Latency | As low as 20 milliseconds |
| Hardware Kit | Starlink Aviation Performance Kit |
| Regulatory Approval | FAA-approved STC (via AeroMech) |
These speeds enable a full suite of modern digital activities. Passengers can now engage in high-definition video conferencing, real-time cloud computing, online gaming, and seamless 4K streaming. For corporate executives, the 20-millisecond latency is a critical improvement, as it allows for responsive virtual meetings without the lag that typically disrupts professional communication.
Installation Logistics and Service Availability
Textron Aviation has streamlined the adoption process for current Hawker owners. The installation of the Starlink Aviation Performance Kit is available through a network of authorized service providers.
Owners of Hawker 700, 800, and 900 series aircraft can schedule their upgrades through North American Textron Aviation Service Centers. To ensure global accessibility, the company has also extended these installation services to selected international service locations, allowing fleet operators to upgrade their aircraft regardless of their primary base of operations.
Brad White, senior vice president of Customer Support at Textron Aviation, indicated that this move is a direct response to customer demand. He noted that Hawker operators consistently seek long-term maintenance and modernization solutions to ensure their aircraft remain competitive and mission-ready within the current technological environment.
Why This Matters: The Impact on Business Aviation
For the modern business traveler, the integration of Starlink into the Hawker series removes the "productivity penalty" associated with flight time. Historically, the cabin of a mid-size business jet was a place of disconnection; now, it functions as a fully operational mobile office.
From a logistical standpoint, this upgrade increases the asset value of the Hawker 700, 800, and 900 series. In the pre-owned aircraft market, connectivity is no longer a luxury but a baseline requirement. By providing an FAA-approved path to 1 Gbps speeds, Textron Aviation is extending the lifecycle of these aircraft, ensuring they remain viable alternatives to newer, more expensive jet models.
Furthermore, the reliance on LEO satellites provides a safety and operational advantage. Better connectivity allows for more efficient real-time data exchange between the cockpit and ground operations, potentially improving flight planning and passenger manifests in remote areas.
For the end-user, the experience is seamless. The transition from ground-based 5G to satellite-based LEO internet happens without the need for manual switching or complex configurations, providing a "home-like" internet experience at 40,000 feet. This shift effectively eliminates the frustration of dropped calls and buffering videos, transforming the aircraft cabin into a high-performance digital hub.
