SpaceX Revises Pricing for GA Starlink Access

After SpaceX raised prices for its aviation Starlink low-earth-orbit satcom service earlier this year, the company revised those prices last week. General aviation Starlink users can now use more data for the same or slightly lower cost, depending on their plan.

The revised pricing lowered the former Aviation 300 (mph) plan from 20 GB for $250 per month to $200 for 50 GB, now called the General Aviation Local plan. The former Aviation 450 (mph) plan provided 20 GB for $1,000 per month, but that has changed to 50 GB for the same amount and is now called General Aviation Global.

While prices for business aviation plans haven’t changed, the names have. The former Business Jet 20 GB ($2,000 per month) is now the Aviation Jet 20 GB. And the Business Jet Unlimited plan ($10,000 per month) is now Aviation Jet Unlimited.

This move coincides with a recent Federal Communications Commission change that “allows Starlink user terminals to operate down to 5 degrees elevation (versus prior operational constraints around 25 degrees),” according to Gil Motta, founder of Avionics Networks, a manufacturer of Wi-Fi routers and Starlink mini antenna mounting systems.

“In aviation, the installation geometry defines whether this change matters, or not,” he explained. Side-mounted Starlink mini antenna installations, which many pilots are using because there is no place to mount the antenna facing skyward, will benefit from this change. “For side-mounted installations…the antenna is naturally horizon-looking, not zenith-looking like rooftop or fuselage-top systems. With the new 5-degree limit, a much larger segment of the satellite trajectory becomes usable.” Avionics Networks offers the Pilot Kit for mounting a Starlink Mini antenna in a side window.

Recognizing the growing interest in Starlink use in light airplanes, Cirrus Aircraft has developed a Mini antenna installation kit for SR series piston singles from the late G3 through G7+ models. The FLEX SR Series Mount for Starlink can be installed by Cirrus authorized service centers, and it mounts in the SR’s rear window, facing the sky. An optional feature is a 100-watt USB-C power outlet, which eliminates the need for a battery pack. Prices range from $1,050 to $1,600, plus installation.

“The new FLEX SR Mount supports the Starlink Mini to provide Cirrus owners with Wi-Fi throughout their flight,” said Cirrus CEO Zean Nielsen. “Our team thoughtfully integrated owner feedback to develop a seamless SR series aircraft accessory to enable connectivity during flight.”