Dassault Aviation subsidiary ExecuJet MRO Services has completed the first Starlink retrofit on a Falcon 8X, a significant connectivity upgrade for business jet operators.

The milestone installation, performed by ExecuJet’s Belgian division, was carried out under an STC developed by Dassault Falcon Jet and benefiting the entire Dassault MRO network. Additional Starlink installations are already underway at Dassault Aviation Business Services in Geneva and at Dassault Falcon Jet service centres in the US.

The Falcon 8X was fitted with Starlink’s latest generation aviation hardware, offering enhanced in-flight internet speeds, low-latency internet connectivity that supports video conferencing, cloud applications and large data transfers. Using an antenna doubler to minimise fuselage modification, ExecuJet completed a successful test flight confirming the system performance and the preservation of the aircraft’s signature quiet cabin environment.

“We have a team of highly skilled engineers and technicians capable of managing complex installations efficiently and to OEM standards,” says Matthijs Hutsebaut, regional vice president Europe at ExecuJet MRO Services.

ExecuJet MRO Services has also been appointed an authorised Starlink dealer by SpaceX, allowing it to supply and install Starlink’s advanced connectivity solutions wherever the service is available. This enables similar retrofits across multiple business jets types, including the Falcon 7X, 2000LXS and 900LX, as well as the Bombardier Global and Challenger, Embraer Legacy and Gulfstream families.

ExecuJet MRO Services’ Australian operation has already completed two Starlink installations on Bombardier Globals, the most recent one completed in November.

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