A SpaceX vice president confirmed this week the company is currently testing Starlink satellite internet on several aircraft, with the goal to offer the service to airlines “as soon as possible.”
Jonathan Hofeller, vice president of commercial sales revealed the news at the Airline Passenger Experience Association conference in Long Beach, California.
This isn’t the first time Hofeller has talked about the company’s plans to offer in-flight WiFi. In June he said SpaceX was already in discussions with multiple airlines, and that the company was developing a product specifically for aviation.
Even if the testing is successful and SpaceX is able to sign a contract with airlines, the company still needs to receive the necessary approvals from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide mobile internet to aircraft.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Hofeller also revealed SpaceX is currently producing six Starlink satellites every week at its facility in near Seattle, Washington.
The company’s next-generation satellites require a ride aboard Starship in order to reach orbit. In a leaked email this week, CEO Elon Musk revealed there are production problems with Starship’s Raptor engines, and any delays resulting from those issues could have dire consequences for the company.
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