NetJets Makes Major Shift to Starlink for Inflight Connectivity

Private aviation giant abandons Gogo rollout in favor of satellite-based solution across 600+ aircraft fleet

NetJets, one of the world’s largest private jet operators, has announced a significant pivot in its connectivity strategy, committing to equip over 600 business jets with Starlink’s inflight internet service. The multi-year agreement covers both the company’s US and European-based fleets, with an ambitious timeline targeting full deployment by the end of 2026.

The Fleet Transformation

The rollout represents one of the most comprehensive connectivity upgrades in business aviation. In the United States, NetJets will install Starlink across a diverse range of aircraft types, including Cessna Citation Latitudes and Longitudes, Embraer Praetor 500s, and various Bombardier models—the Challenger 350s, Challenger 650s, and the flagship Global series aircraft.

The European fleet will see Starlink installed on Bombardier Challenger 650s and Global aircraft, ensuring consistency of service for clients flying transatlantic routes or operating across both continents.

A Strategic Reversal

This announcement marks a dramatic departure from NetJets’ previous connectivity roadmap. In February 2024, the company had announced plans to upgrade more than 450 aircraft with Gogo’s AVANCE L5 platform, with subsequent upgrades to the provider’s 5G offering and Galileo low-Earth orbit satellite solution.

At the time, Gogo’s 5G service was expected to be operational by late 2024. However, delays in chip development pushed the anticipated launch to the first quarter of 2026. Flight testing for the 5G system only commenced last month, nearly a year behind the original schedule.

What Remains of the Gogo Partnership

Following the Starlink announcement, Gogo clarified in an SEC filing that its contract with NetJets remains in place, albeit significantly reduced in scope. The air-to-ground connectivity provider stated it looks forward to continued collaboration and confirmed NetJets’ ongoing support for Gogo Galileo products and 5G technology.

Analysis of the aircraft types committed to Starlink suggests Gogo has retained connectivity services for NetJets’ Phenom 300s, Citation XLs, and Citation Sovereigns—representing just over 200 aircraft. This is less than half of the fleet originally planned under the February 2024 agreement, representing a substantial contraction of the business relationship.

The Broader Implications

NetJets’ decision reflects broader trends in business aviation connectivity. Starlink has rapidly gained traction in the private jet market, offering several compelling advantages:

Speed and Performance: Satellite-based connectivity eliminates the coverage gaps inherent in air-to-ground systems, providing consistent service over oceans and remote areas.

Global Coverage: For an operator like NetJets serving international clientele, the ability to offer seamless connectivity regardless of flight path is increasingly valuable.

Competitive Pressure: The aggressive timeline to complete installation by end-2026 suggests NetJets views connectivity as a key differentiator in the competitive fractional ownership and charter markets.

The shift also highlights the challenges facing terrestrial and hybrid connectivity solutions in competing with low-Earth orbit satellite networks. While Gogo’s 5G technology promises improved performance over North America, the delays in bringing the system to market may have cost the company a significant opportunity.

Looking Ahead

For NetJets customers, the transition promises improved connectivity experiences, particularly on international and overwater routes where traditional air-to-ground systems struggle. The company’s aggressive installation timeline—equipping 600+ aircraft in approximately 24 months—will be closely watched by industry observers as a test case for large-scale Starlink deployments in business aviation.

For Gogo, maintaining the remaining NetJets business while continuing development of its 5G and Galileo offerings will be crucial to competing in an increasingly satellite-dominated market. The company’s ability to deliver on its next-generation technologies and demonstrate clear performance advantages will likely determine whether it can retain or expand its footprint with NetJets and other operators.

The NetJets announcement underscores a pivotal moment in aviation connectivity: the rapid ascendance of LEO satellite solutions as the preferred technology for operators demanding reliable, global coverage for their increasingly connected passengers.