Business Aviation
Textron Aviation Offers Starlink Upgrade for Cessna Citation 560XL Series
Textron Aviation introduces SpaceX Starlink internet upgrade for Cessna Citation Ascend and 560XL series with FAA and EASA certifications.

This article is based on an official press release from Textron Aviation.
On April 21, 2026, at the AERO Friedrichshafen trade show in Germany, Textron Aviation announced that SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet is now available as an aftermarket upgrade for the Cessna Citation Ascend and the broader Cessna Citation 560XL series.
According to the official company press release, this upgrade is made possible by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) awarded to aviation engineering firm AeroMech. Furthermore, the legacy 560XL fleet has secured European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, enabling installations at Textron’s European service centers.
This development highlights a growing industry shift toward Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity, meeting the rising demand for reliable, high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi across global business aviation fleets.
Technical Specifications and Hardware
The Starlink Aviation Kit
The AeroMech STC utilizes a standalone Starlink system designed for minimal aircraft downtime. According to provided technical data, the kit consists of an Aero Terminal, an electronically steered antenna mounted on the fuselage, a Power Supply Unit (PSU), and a Wireless Access Point (WAP). The system requires only power input from the aircraft to operate.
Starlink’s LEO satellite constellation provides global coverage, ensuring reliable connectivity over land, water, and remote areas where traditional air-to-ground Wi-Fi often loses service.
Network Performance
Industry research indicates that Starlink aviation systems are capable of delivering download speeds of up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 35 Mbps, with latency consistently below 30 milliseconds. This allows passengers to engage in real-time applications such as video conferencing, live streaming, and online gaming without buffering or jitter.
Customer Demand and Fleet Integration
Expanding the 560XL Legacy
The aftermarket upgrade is available for the Cessna Citation Ascend, the newest model in the series designed to replace the XLS+, as well as the legacy 560XL fleet, which includes the Citation Excel, XLS, XLS+, and XLS Gen 2. Customers can schedule installations at North-America Textron Aviation Service Centers and select International Service Centers.
Everett, Washington-based AeroMech has been developing Starlink STCs for various Textron models since mid-2024, initially announcing the 560XL STC in August 2024.
Textron Aviation’s Perspective
Textron Aviation emphasized in its press release that this rollout is a direct response to the evolving needs of business jet operators.
“Customer feedback continues to shape how we enhance the ownership experience and expanding Starlink availability for the Citation Ascend and 560XL series is a direct response to customer demand,” said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, Customer Support at Textron Aviation. “Offering Starlink as an aftermarket option gives customers flexibility to equip their aircraft with the connectivity solution that best supports their missions and reinforces our commitment to listening and delivering a best-in-class aviation experience.”
Industry Context and Market Trends
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the integration of Starlink into the Cessna Citation 560XL series, one of the best-selling business jet families in aviation history, reflects a broader industry trend. Business Private-Jets customers increasingly expect their aircraft to function as a seamless extension of their home or office. The shift away from legacy geostationary satellite or ground-based systems toward LEO networks is driven by the need for the bandwidth and low latency required for modern digital workflows and entertainment.
The timing of this announcement at AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 is also notable. Textron Aviation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (which holds a market capitalization of approximately $15.94 billion as of April 2026), used the European venue to highlight its EASA certification. At the same show, Textron announced a significant fleet order from European private jet operator LUMINAIR for nine Cessna Citation Latitude midsize business jets, indicating strong ongoing demand in the European charter market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which aircraft are eligible for the Starlink upgrade?
The upgrade is available for the Cessna Citation Ascend and the legacy 560XL fleet, including the Citation Excel, XLS, XLS+, and XLS Gen 2.
Where can the Starlink system be installed?
Installations can be scheduled at North American Textron Aviation Service Centers and select International Service Centers, including European locations following EASA certification.
What speeds does Starlink Aviation provide?
The system can deliver download speeds up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds up to 35 Mbps, with latency under 30 milliseconds.
Sources
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation
Business Aviation
Jet Linx Grounds Fleet for 10th Annual Safety Summit
Jet Linx Aviation halted all operations June 9, 2026, for its 10th safety summit, focusing on undetected engine corrosion and human factors.

Private-Jets aviation operator Jet Linx Aviation voluntarily grounded its entire nationwide fleet on June 9, 2026, halting operations for a full day to conduct its 10th Annual Safety Summit. The Omaha, Nebraska-based company utilized the operational pause to engage its 500 employees in safety evaluations, focusing heavily on human factors and the necessity of exceeding standard manufacturer checklists.
In a press release issued on June 10, 2026, Jet Linx stated it remains the only United States operator under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 or Part 121 regulations to voluntarily halt operations for an entire day annually to focus exclusively on safety. The 2026 summit utilized a recent fatal accident as a primary case study to challenge standard private aviation safety practices and assumptions.
Challenging standard maintenance assumptions
The summit featured a presentation by Barry Ellis, President of Hop-A-Jet Worldwide Jet Charter. The discussion centered on a February 2024 accident involving a Hop-A-Jet aircraft in Naples, Florida, which resulted in two crew member fatalities.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) published its final report on the accident in April 2026, determining the cause to be undetected engine corrosion. The summit highlighted that the engines had been inspected, deemed airworthy, and successfully completed 33 flights in the 25 days preceding the accident.
Ellis addressed the summit attendees regarding the dangers of relying solely on standard procedures when underlying risks remain hidden from flight crews and maintenance personnel.
“When assumptions go unchallenged, they become invisible, and invisible risk is the most dangerous risk of all,” Ellis stated. “The most dangerous assumptions are often the ones we don’t realize we’re making.”
Industry collaboration and operational safety metrics
The event at the Jet Linx Global Safety & Operations Center included presentations from aviation safety auditing firms. Sonnie Bates, CEO of WYVERN, and Patrick Chiles from ARGUS International participated in the discussions, emphasizing the role of independent safety evaluations in Part 135 operations.
Jet Linx Executive Chairman Jamie Walker led the initiative, which marks the company’s tenth consecutive year of executing a fleet-wide grounding for safety training. According to the company’s June 10 announcement, Jet Linx has maintained 27 years of accident-free operations, accumulating 200 million miles flown without an accident.
The safety summit follows recent operational expansions for the charter operator. In May 2026, Jet Linx launched a private jet flight-sharing program called MemberSeat Exchange, designed to increase client flexibility across its network.
AirPro News analysis
The decision by a Part 135 operator to ground an entire revenue-generating fleet for a full day represents a significant financial commitment to safety culture. By utilizing the recently concluded NTSB investigation into the Hop-A-Jet accident as a focal point, Jet Linx is addressing a critical vulnerability in aviation maintenance: the gap between regulatory compliance and actual airworthiness. The NTSB findings regarding undetected engine corrosion, despite recent inspections and 33 successful flights, demonstrate that adherence to manufacturer checklists does not universally guarantee safety. We view this public emphasis on invisible risk and human factors as a necessary evolution in business aviation safety management systems, particularly as operators expand their service offerings and flight volumes.
Sources: Jet Linx Aviation, LLC
Photo Credit: Jet Linx Aviation
Business Aviation
PS Opens Private Terminal at Miami International Airport
PS unveiled a 34,000-sq-ft private terminal at MIA on June 17, 2026, inside the historic Pan Am headquarters, opening June 30.

Miami-Dade County officials and luxury terminal operator PS held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 17, 2026, to unveil a new 34,000-square-foot private terminal at Miami International Airports (MIA), located within the former Pan American Airways headquarters.
According to a press release from the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, the facility marks the fourth global location for PS and the first in Florida. The terminal, which begins travel operations on June 30, 2026, allows commercial passengers to bypass the main airport concourses through private Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs screening, followed by direct-to-aircraft chauffeur service.
Revitalizing an aviation landmark
The new PS MIA terminal occupies a site of significant historical importance to the aviation industry. The former Pan American Airways (Pan Am) headquarters was designated a Miami-Dade County Historic Site in 2014. Groundbreaking for the revitalization project took place on July 10, 2025.
Amina Belouizdad Porter, CEO of PS, stated that establishing a terminal within the former home of one of aviation’s most influential airlines is deeply symbolic of the company’s mission to redefine modern travel. She noted that Miami was a natural expansion point given its status as the second-busiest U.S. airport for international travelers and a primary gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean.
The interior design, led by Cliff Fong alongside RJ Heisenbottle Architects and Creative Art Partners, incorporates elements of Miami’s regional style. Fong noted that the building carries a strong identity, prompting an approach that leaned into its heritage alongside the nostalgia of the area. Artist Nina Surel contributed to the space, drawing color palettes directly from the pastels of Miami’s Art Deco District and the unique subtropical light.
Expanding luxury infrastructure at MIA
The opening of PS MIA aligns with broader infrastructure developments at the airport. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava highlighted the terminal as a new chapter for residents and visitors seeking a concierge experience.
“We are always looking for innovative partnerships that elevate the traveling experience for all MIA passengers, and the revitalization of the Pan Am terminal is especially exciting,” Levine Cava said.
The facility features five Private Suites and a central lounge area known as The Salon. Passengers utilizing the service are transported across the tarmac to their commercial flights in BMW vehicles. The launch follows the June 1, 2026, opening of a PS location at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The company also plans to introduce PS Direct later in the year, an integrated service transporting guests directly between their aircraft and local residences or hotels.
The private terminal’s completion coincides with an ongoing $14 billion capital improvement and maintenance upgrade program at Miami International Airport.
AirPro News analysis
The integration of a high-end private terminal into a commercial aircraft airport reflects a growing market segmentation where ultra-premium commercial passengers are willing to pay for fixed-base operator (FBO) style privacy and convenience. By repurposing the historic Pan Am headquarters, MIA and PS have managed to preserve a piece of aviation heritage while generating new revenue streams. We expect to see similar public-private partnerships emerge at other major international hubs as airports seek to monetize existing real estate and cater to high-net-worth travelers without disrupting standard terminal operations.
Sources: Miami International Airport, Miami International Airport (2025), PS
Photo Credit: Miami International Airport
Business Aviation
IADA Certifies 16 New Aircraft Brokers, Total Reaches 233
IADA awarded its Certified Aircraft Broker designation to 16 professionals in 2026, raising the global credentialed total to 233.

The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) has awarded its Certified Aircraft Broker designation to 16 business aviation sales professionals, bringing the global total of credentialed brokers to 233.
Announced in a press release on June 15, 2026, the latest round of certifications spans North America, Europe, and Latin America. The credentialing program is designed to establish standardized ethical practices and transaction expertise within the preowned business aircraft market.
Regional distribution and certification standards
The 2026 certification cohort includes 11 brokers from North America, three from Europe, and two from Latin America. The geographic spread reflects the international nature of preowned aircraft transactions and the association’s push for standardized practices across different regulatory environments.
IADA Executive Director Lou Seno stated that the designation provides clients with assurance regarding their advisor’s industry knowledge and commitment to ongoing professional development.
“Every aircraft transaction represents a significant financial decision, and buyers and sellers deserve to know they are working with professionals who have demonstrated both expertise and integrity,” Seno said.
Market context and accountability
The Certification process requires brokers to demonstrate their proficiency in aircraft transactions and adhere to rigorous industry standards. According to the association, this process works in tandem with its Accredited Dealer program to establish a framework for transparency in business aviation sales. Seno noted that the combination of these programs creates a unique level of accountability designed to ensure ethical conduct.
The addition of new certified brokers follows IADA’s October 6, 2025, market forecast, which projected a stabilized preowned business aircraft market through September 2026. The forecast anticipated normalized inventory levels and rationalized pricing, conditions where standardized broker practices often play a critical role in facilitating orderly transactions.
AirPro News analysis
As the preowned business aircraft market transitions from the high-volatility environment seen earlier in the decade to a more normalized state, the role of the broker becomes increasingly focused on technical expertise rather than simply securing scarce inventory. We view IADA’s continued expansion of its certified broker pool as a necessary maturation of the business aviation sales sector. By formalizing the qualifications required to broker high-value aviation assets, the industry is aligning itself more closely with the compliance expectations of corporate flight departments and institutional buyers.
Photo Credit: IADA
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