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The implementation of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) may hinder the adoption of SpaceX’s Starlink Aviation service in Europe, according to Lukas Bucher, Lufthansa Technik’s head of products and program, special engineering services. Under GDPR, which applies to all flights to and from the EU, as well as EU-registered aircraft, any data associated with EU residents must be processed in compliance with the regulations, including obtaining consent. While anonymized information is exempt from GDPR, the need for passenger consent may discourage airlines with frequent flyer programs from implementing the service.

Bucher highlighted the difference between a “JSX-type push operation” and airlines, emphasizing that most airlines prefer to maintain a direct relationship with their passengers due to GDPR requirements. He suggested that unless airlines have explicit consent from individual passengers, direct communication may not be feasible in Europe.

Concerns were raised about how SpaceX would obtain passenger consent without compromising the frictionless experience of the portal-free service. It remains to be seen whether SpaceX will anonymize all data in accordance with GDPR guidelines when working with European airlines, or if they will opt for a less frictionless experience that includes airline portals.

Bucher also mentioned that judging Starlink Aviation solely based on its implementation with JSX’s ERJs may not provide an accurate representation. The load on the network differs significantly between smaller aircraft and widebodies flying internationally. He noted that SpaceX’s decision to launch on JSX may indicate their strategic approach.

Addressing the installation of SpaceX’s Starlink Aviation on Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet, Bucher commented that the publicized airline partnerships with SpaceX had not yet materialized. Hawaiian Airlines confirmed that the installation on their transpacific fleet had been delayed to early 2024.

Bucher also discussed the challenges passengers face with onboard internet systems and identified software and payment mechanisms, rather than hardware, as the main obstacles. SpaceX aims to avoid these choke points with their ‘free and frictionless’ approach, which appeals to passengers, but Bucher stressed that someone ultimately has to finance the service.

He mentioned that the Seamless Air Alliance could provide a solution to the software and payments problem. Lufthansa Technik has been a member of Seamless for several years and has followed their working groups, particularly those addressing Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE).

Overall, the GDPR regulations and the challenges associated with software and payments pose potential hurdles for the deployment of SpaceX’s Starlink Aviation service in Europe. Further discussions and solutions may be required to address these concerns in order to ensure a successful implementation of the service in the region.

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