Responding to Customer Demand, Starlink High-Speed Connectivity Now Available as an Aftermarket Option on the Cessna Citation Ascend; 560XL Series Achieves EASA Certification

Key Terms

supplemental type certificate regulatory

A supplemental type certificate (STC) is an official approval from aviation regulators that allows a change or upgrade to an already certified aircraft or its components, like installing new engines, avionics, or structural modifications. For investors, STCs matter because they create permitted markets for aftermarket parts, upgrades, and maintenance services—similar to a quality stamp that lets a shop legally sell and install a costly retrofit, affecting future revenue, licensing income, and the resale value of aircraft.

european union aviation safety agency regulatory

A European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the regional authority that sets and enforces safety rules for aircraft, airlines, maintenance shops, and parts across the EU and participating countries. Think of it as a regional safety inspector and rule-maker for aviation: its approvals, inspections or rule changes can raise costs, delay deliveries, open or close markets, and therefore directly affect the revenue, expenses and risk profile of airlines, manufacturers and suppliers — information investors use to assess value and risk.

easa regulatory

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the EU authority that sets and enforces safety rules for aircraft, airlines, manufacturers and maintenance across Europe, issuing certifications and approvals much like a building inspector for planes. Investors care because EASA rulings, certifications or rule changes can directly affect a company’s ability to sell products, operate flights, incur compliance costs or face grounding, making them a key regulator for aerospace and airline investments.

low earth orbit technical

Low Earth orbit (LEO) is the region of space close to Earth, roughly from about 160 to 2,000 kilometers above the surface, where satellites and spacecraft circle the planet quickly—think of it as a busy highway just overhead. It matters to investors because many communications, imaging and data services rely on satellites in LEO; their shorter lifespans, lower launch costs, crowded lanes and debris risks directly affect the cost, revenue potential and operational risks of companies that build, launch or use these satellites.

power supply unit technical

A power supply unit converts electrical energy from a wall outlet or battery into the specific voltages and currents electronic devices need to run, like the heart and plumbing of an electronic product. For investors, the quality, efficiency and safety of a power supply affect a product’s reliability, production cost, warranty claims and regulatory compliance, which in turn influence revenue, margins and risk exposure.

wireless access point technical

A wireless access point is a device that broadcasts a Wi‑Fi signal so phones, laptops and smart devices can connect wirelessly to a building’s wired network and the internet, like a Wi‑Fi hub in an office or café. Investors pay attention to access point sales and upgrades because they reflect demand for network improvements, support growth in cloud and Internet-of-Things services, and can drive recurring service revenue and long-term customer relationships.

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FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced at AERO Friedrichshafen the availability of Starlink highspeed connectivity as an aftermarket upgrade for the Cessna Citation Ascend, the newest aircraft in the bestselling Cessna Citation 560XL series, following the Federal Aviation Administration’s issuance of AeroMech’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). In addition, the Cessna Citation 560 XL fleet — including the XLS Gen 2, XLS+, XLS and Excel — has received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for Starlink installation at Textron Aviation’s European service centers.

Responding to customer demand, Starlink high-speed connectivity now available as an Aftermarket option on the Cessna Citation Ascend; 560XL series achieves EASA certification

AeroMech’s STC utilizes Starlink’s high-speed internet technology connecting to Starlink’s constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites providing more reliable connectivity over land, water and remote areas, where traditional in-flight WiFi may not have service.

“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. “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.”

Customers can schedule the upgrade for installation on the Citation Ascend and 560XL series aircraft at North American Textron Aviation Service Centers and select International Service Centers. AeroMech’s STC utilizes a Starlink Aviation Kit, consisting of an Aero Terminal (antenna), Power Supply Unit (PSU) and one Wireless Access Point (WAP), and only requires power input from the aircraft. Learn more about the upgrade here.

About Textron Aviation Customer Support
Textron Aviation, through its Beechcraft and Cessna brands, is renowned for its unrivaled global service network dedicated to complete life-cycle support. In addition to its expansive company-owned footprint, Textron Aviation’s jet, turboprop and piston customers have access to a global network of more than 300 authorized service facilities. Textron Aviation also offers a mobile support program featuring more than 40 mobile service units and on-site service technicians and support. Find additional information about Textron Aviation’s service programs at http://txtav.com/en/service.

About Textron Aviation
We have been inspiring the journey of flight for nearly 100 years. Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna, Hawker and Pipistrel brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, light and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense aircraft, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive and flexible flight. For more information, visit www.txtav.com.

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

About Starlink
Starlink is the world’s most advanced satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit, delivering reliable broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more. Starlink is engineered and operated by SpaceX. As the world’s leading provider of launch services, and the only provider with an orbital class reusable rocket – SpaceX has deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations. Learn more at www.starlink.com and follow @Starlink on X.

About AeroMech Inc.
AeroMech offers a fully vertically integrated pathway to bring new products to the aviation market from conceptual design all the way through engineering, certification, production, and installation. By utilizing its delegations as an FAA STC ODA, Part 21 PMA and Part 145 repair stations at the Orlando/Sanford Airport (KSFB) and in Smyrna, TN (KMQY), AeroMech can provide a dynamic and efficient approach to integrating the latest and most desirable technology into your aircraft.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260420017406/en/

Media Contact:
Lauren Howell
+1 (316) 927-9536
lhowell@txtav.com
txtav.com

Source: Textron Aviation Inc.