This article is based on an official press release from ExecuJet MRO Services.

ExecuJet MRO Services Completes First Starlink Retrofit on Falcon 8X

ExecuJet MRO Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, has announced the successful completion of its first Starlink satellite internet retrofit on a Falcon 8X business jet. The installation, performed at the company’s heavy maintenance facility in Belgium, marks a significant step in bringing high-speed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) connectivity to the Dassault fleet.

According to the company’s announcement on December 17, 2025, the retrofit was executed under a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) developed directly by Dassault Falcon Jet (DFJ). This certification is now available across the entire Dassault MRO network, standardizing the upgrade process for operators seeking to modernize their in-flight connectivity.

The project highlights a growing trend of OEM-backed connectivity upgrades, ensuring that third-party hardware like SpaceX’s Starlink integrates seamlessly with the airframe’s existing performance standards.

Engineering the Retrofit

The installation process utilized Starlink’s latest generation aviation hardware, which includes an electronically steered phased array antenna. A critical component of this specific retrofit was the use of an “antenna doubler.” This structural adapter is designed to minimize invasive modifications to the fuselage.

ExecuJet engineers confirmed that the installation required no cutting of major structural frames, a method chosen to maintain the structural integrity of the aircraft. Following the installation, the company conducted a successful test flight to verify system performance. Crucially, the test confirmed that the modification preserved the Falcon 8X’s signature quiet cabin environment, a key selling point for the long-range jet.

“We have a team of highly skilled engineers and technicians capable of managing complex installations efficiently and to OEM standards.”

Matthijs Hutsebaut, Regional Vice President Europe at ExecuJet MRO Services

Authorized Dealer Status

Beyond this specific installation, ExecuJet MRO Services has been appointed an authorized Starlink dealer by SpaceX. This status allows the MRO provider to supply and install the hardware directly, streamlining the supply chain for customers. The dealership agreement covers retrofits across a wide variety of business jet types, extending beyond the Dassault family to include the Bombardier Global and Challenger series, the Embraer Legacy family, and Gulfstream aircraft.

Connectivity Performance and Global Rollout

The Starlink “Aviation” package installed on the Falcon 8X is designed to deliver office-tier connectivity speeds to the cabin. According to technical specifications released in conjunction with the project, the system offers low-latency internet capable of supporting high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, cloud applications, and large data transfers.

While the Belgium facility handled the Falcon 8X project, ExecuJet is leveraging its global footprint to expand these services. The company reported that its Australian operation has already completed two Starlink installations on Bombardier Global aircraft, with the most recent project finalized in November 2025. Additional installations are currently underway at Dassault Aviation Business Services in Geneva and Dassault Falcon Jet service centers in the United States.

“This combines ExecuJet’s MRO Services expertise with Starlink’s global internet service, offering operators seamless connectivity even in the most remote regions. Our end-to-end capability, from supply to installation, certification and ongoing support, positions us well to meet growing customer demand.”

Graeme Duckworth, President of ExecuJet MRO Services

AirPro News Analysis

The involvement of the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) in developing the STC for this installation is a critical detail for asset owners. While third-party connectivity retrofits are common, an STC developed by Dassault Falcon Jet offers Falcon owners a higher degree of assurance regarding warranty preservation and resale value.

Furthermore, the specific mention of the “antenna doubler” addresses a common concern among owners of ultra-long-range jets: noise. The Falcon 8X is marketed heavily on its cabin silence. By engineering a solution that reinforces the skin without invasive structural cutting, Dassault and ExecuJet are signaling that connectivity upgrades need not come at the expense of cabin comfort. This move positions Dassault to aggressively compete with newer “connectivity-ready” jets entering the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which aircraft are eligible for this Starlink retrofit?

According to ExecuJet, the solution is available for the Falcon 7X, 8X, 900LX, and 2000LXS. ExecuJet is also authorized to install Starlink on Bombardier Global and Challenger series, Embraer Legacy, and Gulfstream families.

Does the installation affect the cabin noise level?

No. ExecuJet utilized a specific antenna doubler and performed test flights to ensure the aircraft’s signature quiet cabin environment was preserved.

Who developed the certification for this installation?

The Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) was developed by Dassault Falcon Jet (DFJ) and is available to the entire Dassault MRO network.

Sources: ExecuJet MRO Services

This article is based on an official press release from Bombardier.

Bombardier Launches “Smart Router” to Standardize Next-Gen Connectivity

Bombardier has announced the introduction of a new “Smart Router” designed to serve as the backbone for in-flight connectivity across its Challenger and Global aircraft families. Developed in collaboration with Collins Aerospace, this new hardware aims to future-proof business jets against rapidly evolving digital demands, including 5G networks and Wi-Fi 6 standards.

According to the company’s official announcement, the device is engineered to provide a seamless “office-in-the-sky” experience, addressing the growing expectation among ultra-high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients for internet speeds that match their capabilities on the ground. The move marks a significant shift in strategy, positioning high-speed connectivity infrastructure as a standard operational necessity rather than an optional luxury.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

The new Smart Router is not merely a Wi-Fi access point but a sophisticated management hub for the aircraft’s entire data ecosystem. By partnering with Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business, Bombardier has integrated several enterprise-grade features directly into the jet’s baseline configuration.

Multi-Path Routing and Redundancy

A standout feature of the new system is its ability to manage multiple connection types simultaneously. The router utilizes multi-path routing to juggle satellite, air-to-ground, and cellular signals. If one connection drops, the system is designed to automatically switch to another available network without interrupting the user’s session.

Furthermore, the system includes the Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP). This built-in redundancy ensures that in the event of a hardware failure, a backup system instantly takes over to maintain connectivity, a critical feature for government and corporate operators who cannot afford downtime.

Security and Diagnostics

Addressing the heightened security concerns of heads of state and corporate executives, the Smart Router features advanced firewalls and enterprise-level encryption. Additionally, the hardware supports remote diagnostics, allowing ground support teams to troubleshoot network issues in real-time while the aircraft is still in flight, potentially reducing maintenance delays upon landing.

“Designed with security at the core… the improved cyber protection gives confidence and peace of mind anywhere, any place, at any time.”

, Peter Likoray, SVP Aircraft Sales, Bombardier

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Fleet Availability and Rollout

Bombardier has outlined an aggressive rollout schedule for the new technology. The Smart Router is now standard equipment on the Challenger 650, Global 5500, and Global 6500 aircraft.

According to the press release, the technology will become standard on all in-production Challenger and Global aircraft by the end of 2026. For existing owners, the company is offering the router as a retrofit option, available for installation at Bombardier Service Centres worldwide.

“Bombardier thrives on giving its customers the confidence to fly worldwide in comfort and style, with reliable, high-performance connectivity built for today’s customer needs.”

, Paul Sislian, EVP Aftermarket Services & Strategy, Bombardier

Strategic Implications

AirPro News Analysis

Bombardier’s launch of the Smart Router highlights a distinct divergence in strategy among major business jet manufacturers. While competitors like Gulfstream and Embraer have recently made headlines by partnering directly with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite providers like Starlink, Bombardier appears to be taking an infrastructure-first approach.

By installing a powerful, provider-agnostic router, Bombardier is effectively equipping its jets to handle various future network technologies, whether they be Ka-band, Ku-band, 5G, or LEO solutions, without tying the airframe to a single satellite provider. This “universal translator” approach may offer better long-term residual value for owners, as the hardware is designed to adapt to whichever satellite technology becomes dominant in the coming decade.

This contrasts with the “aftermarket agility” seen elsewhere in the sector, where manufacturers are racing to bolt on specific high-speed terminals. Bombardier’s strategy suggests a belief that the router itself, the brain managing the signals, is just as critical as the satellite constellation beaming the data down.

Sources

• Bombardier Press Release

This article summarizes reporting by Aerospace Global News.

Egypt Takes Delivery of Controversial Boeing 747-8 Presidential Aircraft

On December 11, 2025, the Egyptian government officially accepted delivery of a Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, registered as SU-EGY. According to reporting by Aerospace Global News, the massive aircraft arrived in Cairo from Hamburg, Germany, marking the conclusion of a multi-year modification program. The delivery signifies a major upgrade for the Egyptian presidency’s air transport capabilities, replacing an aging fleet with the “Queen of the Skies.”

The arrival of the jet has drawn significant attention not only for its technical grandeur but also for the financial debate surrounding its acquisition. As detailed in reports by Aerospace Global News and data from flight tracking services, the aircraft underwent extensive VIP outfitting at Lufthansa Technik before its final handover. While the jet offers state-of-the-art capabilities, the timing of the purchase, amidst severe national economic challenges, has sparked public discourse.

From “White Tail” to Flying Palace

The history of SU-EGY is unique among presidential aircraft. Data cited by aviation analysts indicates that the airframe was originally manufactured in 2011 for Lufthansa but was never delivered, classifying it as a “white tail”, a built but unsold aircraft. It spent nearly a decade in storage in the Mojave Desert before the Egyptian government purchased it in 2021.

According to flight data verified by FlightRadar24, the aircraft flew under the callsign EGY2 during its delivery flight from Hamburg (HAM) to Cairo (CAI). The transition from a stored commercial airliner to a head-of-state transport involved over four years of work. Aerospace Global News notes that Lufthansa Technik performed the modifications, which reportedly include a custom VIP interior and the installation of military-grade defense and communication systems.

The Cost Controversy

A significant discrepancy exists regarding the financial footprint of the new presidential flagship. International aviation analysts and media outlets have estimated the total value of the project to be approximately $500 million. This figure typically accounts for the purchase of the airframe combined with the high costs of VIP interiors and defensive suites.

However, government officials have contested these estimates. Egyptian MP Mostafa Bakry publicly stated that the aircraft cost $240 million. Context provided by industry experts suggests this lower figure likely refers only to the “green” (empty) airframe, which was likely purchased at a discount due to its age and unsold status.

Economic Context

The criticism surrounding the acquisition is deeply rooted in Egypt’s economic reality between 2021 and 2025. During the modification period, the Egyptian Pound (EGP) suffered a massive devaluation against the US Dollar, moving from approximately 15.7 EGP/USD in 2022 to roughly 50.8 EGP/USD by 2025. Furthermore, inflation rates peaked at over 35% in 2023, placing a heavy burden on the population.

“Critics argue that spending half a billion dollars on a presidential jet is unjustifiable while the nation relies on IMF loans…”

, Summary of public sentiment via Web Search Data

Technical Upgrades and Capabilities

The Boeing 747-8 represents a generational leap over the outgoing flagship, an Airbus A340-200 (SU-GGG) that has been in service since the mid-1990s. The new aircraft offers significantly greater range, size, and defensive capabilities.

Comparison: SU-EGY vs. SU-GGG

• Aircraft Type: The new Boeing 747-8 is the longest commercial airliner ever built, offering approximately 4,700 square feet of cabin space. The outgoing A340-200 is a standard widebody with considerably less volume.
• Range: The 747-8 boasts a range of over 8,000 nautical miles, allowing for non-stop global reach, compared to the roughly 7,500 nautical miles of the older Airbus.
• Engines: Powered by four General Electric GEnx-2B engines, the 747-8 is more fuel-efficient than the A340’s older CFM56 engines.
• Defense: While specific details remain classified, the new jet is equipped with modern active missile countermeasures, such as Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), designed to jam heat-seeking missiles.

AirPro News Analysis

While the optics of purchasing a jumbo jet during an economic crisis are challenging, the operational logic behind selecting the 747-8 is grounded in specific aviation realities. Head-of-state transport often requires four engines for maximum redundancy and safety, a configuration that is becoming rare in modern aviation. With the Airbus A380 out of production and the A340 fleet aging rapidly, the 747-8 remains one of the few viable options for a VVIP aircraft of this magnitude.

Furthermore, purchasing a “white tail” airframe was likely a strategic financial decision. Acquiring a factory-fresh widebody jet can take years on a waiting list and cost significantly more than an airframe that has been sitting in storage. By purchasing an existing asset, the Egyptian government likely secured the airframe at a fraction of the list price, even if the subsequent interior modifications remained expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Egypt replace the Airbus A340?
The A340-200 is approximately 30 years old. Maintaining older aircraft becomes increasingly expensive and difficult due to the scarcity of spare parts. Reliability is paramount for presidential transport.

What is a “white tail” aircraft?
A “white tail” refers to an aircraft that has been built by the manufacturer but not delivered to a customer. In this case, the 747-8 was built for Lufthansa in 2011 but was not taken up, sitting in storage until Egypt purchased it.

What will happen to the old plane?
The Airbus A340-200 (SU-GGG) is expected to enter retirement or be sold, as it has been replaced as the primary transport for President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

Sources: Aerospace Global News, Simple Flying, Middle East Eye, FlightRadar24