Want to ‘Fly Like New’? Go Inside Jet’s Latest Deck & Connectivity Mod Retrofit To Upgrade Your Aircraft Flight

A twenty-year-old business jet shouldn’t compete with factory-fresh aircraft. Yet that’s exactly what’s happening as operators discover the economic sense of upgrading rather than trading up. Whilst new midsize jets command around $16 million, a comprehensive retrofit of an existing Citation XLS costs a fraction of that figure, delivering almost identical capability for perhaps 15% of the new aircraft price.

The latest example comes from ACI Jet’s completion of what they call their most comprehensive Citation XLS modernisation to date. The project pairs Garmin’s flagship G5000 avionics suite with Starlink satellite internet and a complete interior overhaul – turning a two-decade-old airframe into something that performs like it just rolled off the production line.

The Upgrade Formula That Changes Everything

The specific improvements matter because they address the exact pain points that make older aircraft feel outdated. The Garmin G5000 glass cockpit replaces analogue systems with electronic flight bag integration, domestic CPDLC capability and enhanced situational awareness. For pilots, this means streamlined workflows and reduced workload – improvements that translate directly into operational efficiency.

The Starlink installation provides internet speeds up to 220 Mbps with latency around 20-45 milliseconds – faster than many office connections. Whilst the Citation XLS typically operates within Air-to-Ground coverage areas, Starlink ensures consistent connectivity across a broader range of missions. The interior refresh included reupholstered seating, new carpeting and refinished woodwork.

‘From the front office to the cabin, this project modernised every touchpoint for pilots and passengers,’ said Brian Ford, Avionics Manager for ACI Jet. ‘We delivered an aircraft that’s as good – or better – than new.’

Before and After: What Actually Changes

The pilot experience changes completely. Where crews once managed multiple analogue instruments and separate systems, the G5000 integrates everything into a modern glass cockpit. The upgrade removes over 150 pounds of legacy hardware and wiring, increasing payload capacity whilst reducing maintenance complexity.

For passengers, the difference is immediate. Starlink’s aviation service maintains reliable internet access throughout the flight, eliminating dead zones that plague traditional air-to-ground systems. The interior refresh addresses the wear and dated looks that mark older aircraft, creating an environment that feels current rather than tired.

The maintenance angle matters too. Modern avionics reduce costly repairs and minimise aircraft-on-ground events. The customer’s flight crew reported zero squawks following the successful first test flight – a telling indicator of the installation quality and system integration.

The Investment Mathematics

The economics drive much of the retrofit enthusiasm. Used Citation XLS aircraft range from $4 million to $7.2 million depending on condition and flight hours, whilst major avionics upgrades typically cost several hundred thousand dollars. This places comprehensive modernisation at roughly 10-15% of new aircraft purchase prices.

Residual value impact varies, but data suggests well-executed avionics upgrades retain about 85% of their cost at resale. More importantly, modernised aircraft avoid the obsolescence curve that affects unupgraded models. As regulations evolve and operational requirements change, upgraded aircraft maintain their utility whilst unmodified examples face increasing limitations.

The timing calculation matters. Aircraft scheduled for major maintenance provide the ideal window for comprehensive upgrades, spreading downtime across multiple improvements rather than scheduling separate maintenance events.

Market Momentum Behind Modernisation

This isn’t an isolated project. The retrofit market is experiencing strong growth driven by sustainability regulations, extended aircraft life expectations and operational efficiency demands. The avionics market, valued at $43.4 billion in 2023, projects growth to $81.8 billion by 2030, with retrofit segments gaining particular momentum.

ACI Jet reports increasing demand for bundled modernisation packages, particularly as operators seek to future-proof legacy aircraft amid rising operating costs and equipment obsolescence. The company anticipates strong interest in similar Garmin flight deck upgrades for other Citation models and continued momentum behind Starlink retrofits.

The regulatory environment supports this trend. Starlink’s Supplemental Type Certificate for the Citation XLS received approval just weeks before this aircraft’s induction, demonstrating the rapid pace of connectivity approvals. Similar fast-track certifications for other aircraft types suggest widespread adoption lies ahead.

The Wider Picture

The retrofit trend reflects broader changes in business aviation ownership patterns. Rather than trading up every few years, operators increasingly view aircraft as long-term assets worthy of sustained investment. Digital technology advances including AI and data analytics make retrofit upgrades more capable and cost-effective than ever before.

For Citation XLS operators specifically, the G5000 upgrade addresses a limited upgrade path situation. With few modernisation options available for the type, the Garmin solution provides a clear route to contemporary capability without aircraft replacement.

The project sets expectations for comprehensive modernisation rather than piecemeal upgrades. By combining flight deck, connectivity and interior improvements in a single maintenance event, operators maximise value whilst minimising downtime.

The Buyer’s Calculation

The fundamental question for any operator weighs upgrade costs against replacement costs and operational benefits. A $500,000 to $800,000 comprehensive modernisation package on a $5 million to $7 million aircraft makes economic sense when compared to $16 million new aircraft pricing.

The calculation becomes more compelling when factoring in the operational improvements. Reduced maintenance costs, improved dispatch reliability and enhanced resale value all contribute to the upgrade business case. Modern avionics eliminate many of the support challenges that plague older systems.

Not every aircraft justifies comprehensive modernisation. High-time airframes or aircraft with significant structural issues may not warrant the investment. However, for well-maintained aircraft with reasonable flight hours, upgrades can extend useful life by decades whilst maintaining competitive operational capability.

The ACI Jet project demonstrates what’s possible when retrofit work is executed comprehensively rather than incrementally. By addressing avionics, connectivity and interior simultaneously, the upgrade creates an aircraft that genuinely competes with new production whilst preserving the economic advantages of the existing asset.