Broomfield, CO | September 2, 2014– Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), a global aero-communications service provider, announces that Aircell, the company’s business aviation division, has rebranded as Gogo Business Aviation.

The Aircell brand can be traced back 23 years to the company’s original founding in 1991. Gogo Business Aviation will build on the Aircell tradition using the same people, passion and culture of innovation that made it business aviation’s most trusted in-flight connectivity brand. The only company to offer all three of business aviation’s most popular network technologies – Gogo Biz®, SwiftBroadband and Iridium – the company offers solutions to fulfill any customer need, aircraft type or geography.

As Gogo continues to expand its leadership position, its business and commercial aviation divisions now share a single, global brand. Operationally, the divisions will continue exchanging expertise and technologies while remaining solely focused on their respective markets.

“Gogo’s mission is to advance aviation by connecting every aircraft with the most trusted communications services on and above our planet. Having our commercial and business aviation divisions share a brand will make more people aware of the full breadth of our business,” said Michael Small, Gogo’s president and CEO. “The rebranding will also help travelers recognize their favorite Gogo services, whether they’re aboard an airline, corporate, fractional or charter aircraft – anywhere in the world,” concluded Small.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Gogo Business Aviation as the next evolution of our brand,” said John Wade, Gogo Business Aviation’s executive vice president and general manager. “The past five years has seen a remarkable menu of in-flight capabilities emerge for business aircraft operators, including Internet, e-mail, voice, texting, personal smartphone usage, movies, TV episodes, news, weather, cockpit data and more. And at the same time, the onboard equipment has become orders-of-magnitude smaller, lighter and more affordable. These truly are exciting times.”

To accommodate its continued rapid growth, Gogo Business Aviation will soon be relocating its headquarters near its existing location in Broomfield, Colorado, USA. The new facility will house all Gogo Business Aviation operations with more than double the present location’s square footage.

Let me start this piece by relating a flight experience I had recently. During the four hour trip from Seattle to Chicago, I had no Internet on the outbound leg of the journey; however, I had the luxury of Gogo wireless Internet on the return. I say luxury because the return leg was free and if I had paid for the experience, it would have only cost $13, the same price as the abysmal “Fruit & Cheese” plate I purchased to compensate for the free Internet. Further let me add, that the ability to get my email and do a bit of surfing on the ‘return’ leg was so much better than I ever anticipated. In fact, with Internet and email access the Chicago to Seattle flight felt like it took half the time of the outbound leg… and, believe me, that had nothing to do with the fruit and cheese plate! The message here is, we spend so much time on the ground with our Internet/communication fetish, when we have it in the air one doesn’t spend as much time wondering, “Are we there yet?!” (Note: Setup can be a bit fussy as the data entry in the beginning of the sign-on was necessary so the next time we will get the App before the flight.)

So much for the sales pitch, but here’s the message: If you seldom travel, buy your inflight Internet from Gogo or whomever, because it makes the time fly. And for under $20 for the connection, or whatever it costs for the privilege, it’s a bargain. If you want 1 hour on Gogo, it’s $5, one day is $8 ($16 if you fly on the different airlines), and I believe for around $60 one can get a month’s worth of the experience ($50 if you only select one airline). Thus, it is a must for frequent fliers… a must!

The issue at hand in this IFExpress is the future of Gogo, more specifically, the future of the speed (or bandwidth) of Gogo, and there are at least two reasons for writing about it: 1) As flights get more filled with Internet traffickers, the fixed aircraft data Internet speeds will inevitably result in congestion, slowing the experience. That’s simple electromagnetics, and 2) Recent announcements by AT&T, who plans to bring some version of LTE to the air, may also bring a lot of competition to Gogo in the USA. Prices may drop (especially if AT&T uses their 4G LTE solution) but, don’t expect Gogo to be asleep at the switch. From a price perspective, most probably, their prices will drop as competition builds up. When prices drop, there will be more users, and so on… time will tell. Internationally, there are competitors like Row 44, Panasonic, Thales, Inmarsat derivatives, etc., and we should not forget their impact on competitive connectivity.

Today, Gogo customers include: Air Canada, AirTran, Alaska, American, Delta, United, US Airways, and Virgin America for a total of over 2,000 US aircraft. Gogo’s Text & Talk application will serve as an extension of a GSM or CDMA cellular network, without the need to install picocells on planes. In the US, it presently is only a text feature, but lest we forget, in the early 90’s, we could talk on a plane… today’s seating jumble will probably prevent that feature unless an airline’s business or first class finds it more appealing. The aforementioned features enable any smart phone user to roam onto Gogo’s in-flight Wi-Fi system as if they were roaming onto a land-based cellular network where they can continue to access their messaging and phone services anywhere a Gogo equipped aircraft flies.

From a historical perspective, the technology and the market have grown and will continue to as far as we can see. Boeing’s Current Market Outlook claims that there are some 20,310 Regional, Medium and Large jets in the worldwide fleet so this means that there is plenty of room to grow connectivity applications. What’s interesting is the single aisle airplane demand and if the connectivity folks figure out a business model for the next 20 years, they will be looking at some 34,000 airplanes… and in 20 years, a lot can happen in this industry. Because of the size of most smaller jet aircraft (100 seats or less) big satcom antennas for improved data rates are a physical challenge for on-top installation – next week we will show a potential solution for that crowd as well!

At a recent Gogo press event (the driver of this work), the company laid out the technology plans for the next few years. It included a big push into international growth and a very technical plan for the technology that will drive their improved coverage and data performance. One of the key issues is the antenna developments that are coming along. We should note that the image used in this week’s issue of IFExpress, is the installation of the ATG antenna on the underside of a customer jet. Because the Air-To-Ground system in the USA beams signals below the plane, the antenna is obviously placed there. The satcom solutions will require antennas (beams and plates) on the top of the plane. We should point out that at this time, Gogo does not manufacture most of the boxes and antennas found on their equipped aircraft – they sub them out to companies who specialize in that business. To that end, Gogo should be considered a system service provider as they spec and assemble the hardware needed for each task. Additionally, the engineering team that we met were top notch people. They answered every question we asked and really seemed intent on providing airlines and travelers with the best solution. Since we are talking about antennas, here is a teaser of next week’s discussion of the Gogo solution for speed and coverage upgrades: ATG, ATG-4, Ku-band, 2Ku, Ka-band (GXA), and GTO (Ground-To -Orbit). Stay Tuned!

Editors Notes:
One of the important players in Gogo’s past was Jack Blumenstein who passed away in 2012. You can read more about his impact on the industry.

The Gogo website is one of the best we haves seen for information about their services – you might check out the following features:

If you are interested in an infographic that depicts some of the important Gogo info from the last 5 years, check it out.

TIP: Check out concourse.gogoair.com for some of the more interesting aspects of their business not to mention the history of Gogo. It’s worth a look!

• Company is fielding two cost-effective equipment packages to meet forthcoming cockpit data link mandates

EBACE Geneva, Switzerland | May 19, 2014– Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), announces that its business aviation group, Aircell, has unveiled two new solutions designed to help business aircraft operators comply with the global aviation industry’s forthcoming FANS (Future Air Navigation System) mandates.

Because Aircell’s FANS solutions operate over Iridium satellite technology, they are significantly less expensive to install than traditional satellite-based equipment packages. John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “FANS is one of the hottest topics in the business aviation industry right now. Aircell is pleased to offer cost-effective and lightweight solutions to help aircraft operators comply with the forthcoming cockpit data link mandates.”

FANS capabilities are becoming mandatory for aircraft on the most desirable and frequently-used oceanic routes between North America and Europe. FANS technologies allow flight crews and air traffic controllers to exchange safety-sensitive flight information via digital data link – such as clearances and requests to climb or descend. They also enable automated position reporting via the aircraft’s Flight Management System. FANS can enable aircraft to obtain preferential altitudes and routing which improves efficiency, reduces fuel consumption and saves time.

Aircell is offering two systems that meet all eligibility requirements for inclusion as part of a comprehensive, certified FANS solution.

Aircell’s FANS-over-Iridium (FOI) Systems

1. Aircell Axxess System. First introduced in 2005, Aircell Axxess is a very prolific system in the business aviation market – currently flying on thousands of aircraft and offered as standard or optional equipment by most major business aircraft manufacturers. Paired with Aircell’s Data Interface Unit (DIU), the Aircell Axxess FANS solution will be available to existing Aircell Axxess customers as a field retrofit through a special upgrade/exchange program. It will also be available for new installations. System upgrades and shipments are expected to begin in June 2014.
2. ST 4300 System. Announced in March of this year, the ST 4300 is Aircell’s most advanced Iridium-based communications solution. The system’s optional FANS capabilities can be specified during initial system purchase and installation, or by purchasing the respective dealer-installed software keys for an existing system in the field. First shipments of the ST 4300 system are expected in June 2014 and the system’s FANS capabilities are expected to be available starting in Q4 2014.

• Becomes single-source provider of Swift Broadband in-flight connectivity – encompassing on-board equipment, airtime and #1-ranked product support

EBACE Geneva, Switzerland | May 19, 2014– Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), announces that its business aviation group, Aircell, has officially unveiled comprehensive SwiftBroadband airtime programs for the business aviation market. Aircell was previously appointed a Distribution Partner for SwiftBroadband, which is a near-global in-flight connectivity service from Inmarsat plc.

Business aircraft operators all over the world can now choose from a wide variety of innovative SwiftBroadband data and voice plans offered by Aircell, along with a large selection of key value-added services and self-care tools.

Overview – SwiftBroadband Airtime from Aircell

• “Pay-as-you-go” monthly data plans with no overage charges, no fixed monthly fees and no minimum usage requirements.
• Single monthly invoices for all SwiftBroadband, Iridium and Gogo Biz airtime services
• Data compression and acceleration services included at no charge
• Online, self-care tools provide easy, anytime access to billing information and usage monitoring (available July 2014)
• Multi-aircraft discounts
• Money-saving annual data plans for heavy data users
• Exclusive services such as Gogo Text & Talk, which allows passengers to call and text with their own personal smartphones and mobile numbers (coming soon for SwiftBroadband; available now for Gogo Biz).
John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “In the business aviation market, SwiftBroadband is a very important service that continues to fulfill worldwide demand for in-flight connectivity. Aircell added SwiftBroadband equipment to its portfolio in 2009 and today, we further deepen our global capabilities with the addition of SwiftBroadband airtime. As a single-source provider of equipment, airtime and #1-ranked product support, we make it easy for aircraft operators to manage and deliver the service to their passengers.”

Aircell has integrated the new SwiftBroadband airtime services into the company’s greater back-office operations and support infrastructure – including the company’s multiple, redundant Network Operations Centers (NOCs).

To help kick off its new airtime program, Aircell is offering an introductory incentive that gives new customers one month of free data service when activating a new SwiftBroadband service plan prior to December 31, 2014. More information is available at www.aircell.com/maketheswitch.

For more information about Aircell’s new SwiftBroadband airtime programs, business aircraft operators should contact Shuaib Shahid on +44 75 8563 3323 or sshahid@aircell.com.

Broomfield, CO | April 15, 2014– Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), announces that its business aviation group, Aircell, has named the organizations receiving the company’s highest dealer honor for 2013 – the Aircell 51,000 Five. The award recognizes the highest-performing organizations in the company’s global dealer and distributor network, as chosen by the Aircell executive team.

Recipients of the Aircell 51,000 Five award for 2013 are as follows (in alphabetical order):
• Cessna Citation Service Center
• Duncan Aviation
• Hawker Beechcraft Services
• West Star Aviation
Award selection is based on dealers’ demonstrated commitment to helping customers get the most out of in-flight connectivity, as well as their technical expertise, sales performance and other factors.

Representing a pinnacle of achievement for an Aircell dealer, the award’s name was inspired by the highest altitude reached by aircraft in the business aviation industry – 51,000 feet. Trophies were presented to each organization in a ceremony held recently during the Aircraft Electronics Association’s Annual International Convention & Trade Show in Nashville, TN.

Broomfield, CO | April 1, 2014– Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), announces that its business aviation group, Aircell, has launched Gogo Biz in-flight Internet and voice service to business aircraft in Canada. Business aviation customers can now use the service anywhere it’s available in the Continental U.S., Alaska and Canada.

Today’s addition of Canadian coverage is the largest geographical expansion for Gogo Biz since the service was introduced to the business aviation market in 2009. Alaskan coverage was added in 2010.

John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “The debut of Gogo Biz service in Canada culminates a multi-year development program and we’re pleased to see it go live. With today’s expansion, business aircraft can now connect everywhere Gogo Biz is available in the Continental U.S., Alaska and Canada – all with a single monthly service plan and no extra fees.”

Overview of Gogo Biz Service
Gogo Biz allows business aircraft passengers and flight crews to enjoy Internet access above 10,000 feet, using their own Wi-Fi enabled laptops, tablets, smartphones, electronic flight bags and other mobile devices. As a “two-in-one” service, it also offers voice service via cabin handsets and/or personal smartphones. More info is available at www.aircell.com/gogobiz.

Canadian coverage is included with all Gogo Biz monthly service plans. No additional roaming or registration fees are required. Service coverage is now available in Canada’s most populous regions and flight routes, with seamless service on cross-border flights.

• Canadian coverage map: http://www.aircell.com/maps/canada
• Complete North American coverage map: http://www.aircell.com/maps/northamerica

• Marks First European Certification for Company’s New In-flight Router and Media System

Broomfield, Co | March 26, 2014–  Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), announces that its business aviation  group, Aircell, has received Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for installation of in-flight connectivity and entertainment systems aboard Bombardier Challenger 300 business jets. The certifications cover the AVIATOR 300 and UCS 5000 systems.

John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “We’re pleased to see the first European certification completed for UCS. Since we introduced UCS in October, market reception has been very good and a number of additional certifications are currently in progress. In addition, the new AVIATOR 300 STC and incentive program makes in-flight connectivity more affordable than ever for Challenger 300 operators in Europe.” Aircell entered the European market in 2002 and the region now stands as the
company’s second-largest global market.

AVIATOR 300 System – In-flight Internet and Voice
The AVIATOR 300 system enables near-global email, light Internet and voice capabilities via Inmarsat’s satellite-based SwiftBroadband service. Passengers and crew can send and receive e-mail with attachments, surf the web, access a corporate VPN and more, using their own Wi-Fi-enabled laptops, tablets, electronic flight bags, and smartphones. They can also place and receive voice calls using integrated cabin handsets. Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solutions are powered by Cobham SATCOM.

The standard AVIATOR 300 STC data package is being offered to Challenger 300 operators for a nominal fee when they install the system at an authorized Aircell dealer and activate a new SwiftBroadband service plan with Aircell. This significantly reduces an operator’s overall installation cost.

UCS 5000 System – Aircell’s New Smart Router/Media Server
The UCS 5000 is the business aviation industry’s first all-in-one smart router and media server. It’s a backbone system that manages and simplifies the way passengers access today’s vast menu of in-flight connectivity, entertainment and information. In addition to providing business aircraft with requisite router functionality and equipment interfaces, it offers the optional bonus of a full-fledged media server and in-flight entertainment (IFE) service – Gogo Vision – all in a single unit. Gogo Vision is an on-demand IFE service
that gives passengers a rotating library of the latest movies and TV episodes – along with news, flight progress information and destination weather. UCS also offers passenger-to-passenger file transfer and screen sharing capabilities.

• ST 4300 is a single-box solution for global voice, narrowband data and cockpit data link services

Broomfield, CO | March 18, 2014– Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), announces that its business aviation group, Aircell, has unveiled the ST 4300 – a new in-flight communications system for business aircraft.

The ST 4300 combines voice, narrowband data and cockpit data link services into a single unit. Available with one, two or three Iridium voice/narrowband data channels, plus one dedicated Iridium data channel, the system allows business aircraft operators to configure cabin and flight deck communications based on their specific needs and budgets. It provides global service coverage – on the ground and in the air, at all altitudes and latitudes – including the polar regions.

In the future, the ST 4300 is expected to be eligible for FANS (Future Air Navigation System) certification. FANS technologies allow flight crews and air traffic controllers to exchange safety-sensitive flight information – such as clearances, requests and position reporting – via digital data link. This capability is becoming mandatory in a growing number of world regions.

“The ST 4300 is a lightweight, modular communications system that can fill a wide range of cabin and cockpit communications needs,” said John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager. “The system’s scalability supports installation as a standalone solution or as one element in an aircraft’s comprehensive communications suite,” he concluded.

Additional ST 4300 Features

• Integrated 802.11b/g/n Wireless Access Point (WAP)

• PBX functionality for a full-featured voice experience

• Compatibility with the Gogo OnePhone – Aircell’s newest cabin handset

• Reduced installation weight and box count through combined functionality

• Availability as a standalone system or paired with systems that provide in-flight Internet service, such as Gogo Biz and SwiftBroadband

Initial ST 4300 system shipments are expected to begin in June 2014. Pricing and availability of the system’s FANS capabilities will be announced at a later date.

This week’s cover shot is from the NBAA floor and we feature a couple products we have heard about and thought our readers might find interesting. Since it came in fist, here is Sky Definition’s new 4k Ultra High Definition, 50″ Network Display. Sky Definition is a small Redmond, Washington company headed up by Bill Baltra Jr. and is exhibiting a device at the show. It is interesting that biz jet aircraft will probably become the debut arena for the Ultra HD technology. UHD comes in 2 flavors, 4K (2160p) and 8K (4320p) and you can learn more here. This amazing bulkhead display has a built in media server and can share media content with other network devices – it is a complete entertainment answer for business jets. Drop by booth C11240 if you are at the show.

The second story that rolled out at the 2013 NBAA in Las Vegas, NV is from Aircell. The company, already well known in the commercial IFE/Connectivity business, will now feature wireless DRM content delivery and air-to-ground connectivity to passenger devices specifically geared for smaller aircraft such as business jets. Today, they announced an entertainment solution that dovetails with their connectivity products… and a few more products and services that support them, not to mention some early sales activity.

The Aircell story comes via a discussion with John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, in which he told IFExpress, “If you are going to be at NBAA you should stop by. We’ve got a BUNCH of really exciting announcements that Aircell will be be releasing… a few real game changers, and I’m not exaggerating!” The next thing we knew, we received five news releases detailing the announcements and here are the releases in summary:

1.      Aircell Introduces Gogo Vision. Business Aviation’s first complete, turn-key in-flight entertainment system. Provides on-demand movies, TV episodes, news, flight information and destination weather. Includes the industry’s first fully-automatic content updates. This announcement also has historical significance because it marks Aircell’s entry into the in-flight entertainment business.
2.       Aircell Announces Gogo Cloud. The industry’s first nationwide digital content distribution network, allowing fully-automatic wireless updates for Gogo Vision, Aircell’s new IFE service. Gogo Cloud is available at select Signature Flight Support locations – as well as for individual flight department facilities.
3.       Aircell Introduces the UCS 5000. The industry’s first all-in-one smart router and media server.
4.       XOJET Selects Gogo Text & Talk. Will be first full-fleet operator of the service, which allows passengers to call and text using their own smartphones – and their own mobile numbers.
5.       Clay Lacy Aviation Selects Gogo Text & Talk. Service to be deployed throughout Clay Lacy’s charter fleet, allowing passengers to call and text using their own smartphones – and their own mobile numbers.

To recap, Aircell has announced the following new product/service offerings and here are the IFExpress ‘Cliff Notes’ on their function:
· UCS is… A system that gives you all the next-gen router features you need – PLUS it’s a fully-functioning media server – all in a single box. Not just a router, not an empty server. The first all-in-one smart router and media server in Business Aviation.
· Gogo Vision is… A complete, turn-key in-flight entertainment and information service – on-demand movies, TV shows, news, flight info and destination weather. Not a “bring-your-own” solution. The first service of its kind in Business Aviation.
· Gogo Cloud is… A service that gives you fully-automatic Gogo Vision updates. It’s available in two places – select Signature locations and your own hangar. The first service of its kind in Business Aviation.
· Gogo Text & Talk is… A service that lets you use your own smartphone to call & text in flight – with your own number. It works over Wi-Fi with Gogo Biz service. The only service like it in Business Aviation.
· Gogo OnePhone is… A next-generation cabin handset.

Got it?

One new feature that we were still trying to wrap our minds around is the Talk & Text service offering. According to Aircell’s John Wade the service doesn’t behave like a microcell, but rather uses Wi-Fi and Aircell’s onboard digital data connectivity (via their ground-based or satcom-based connectivity) and not the user’s cell provider to make the connection – the PED becomes the handheld entertainment and connectivity device on the plane. “This,” John told IFExpress, “is the way Aircell (and many others) see the future of onboard entertainment and connectivity and it is certainly the future for business aircraft. Except for bulkhead mounted monitors, we see our approach as the future on business jets.”

Lest we forget, the Aircell folks have solved the problem of getting DRM-based hardware to the plane itself and has developed and begun implementation of a wireless content uploading solution that supports the new WI-Fi solution. Called Gogo Cloud, the service will be available at select Signature Flight Support facilities, as well as available for individual corporate flight department hangars. In flight the DRM content is stored aboard their server and obtains a key from a transmission to the ground to OK the service and log the planes content usage. This connection assures legitimacy and provides a database of usage for the operator.

Finally, during our interview with John, he offered to let IFExpress test the Aircell Talk & Text system by calling him from the ground while he was airborne on a biz jet which he was about to board. So, exactly two hours after we finished and were sure he was airborne we rang his cell phone, and rang and rang, and rang. Our call went to voice mail and we left a message. Naturally we thought the worst. It works sometime but not all times – “Typical, for airborne connectivity magic,” we noted. Two minutes later our phone rang; “Hello,” the voice said, “It’s John and I was on the phone when you called, but I got your message and am ringing you back. We are somewhere over Cedar Rapids at 36,000 feet and I can hear you fine.” “Hello John,” I said, somewhat shocked and taken aback. “I guess you win. This might just be the future.”

• Gogo Cloud delivers fully-automatic IFE updates at select FBOs and individual hangar facilities

LAS VEGAS, NV [NBAA2013] | October 21, 2013 – Aircell (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, announces Gogo Cloud, the company’s new nationwide wireless content delivery network.

The first service of its kind in the business aviation market, Gogo Cloud allows customers of Aircell’s new in-flight entertainment (IFE) service, Gogo Vision, to automatically receive the latest updates whenever they visit a Gogo Cloud location.

When an aircraft arrives at a Gogo Cloud location, Aircell’s UCS 5000 system automatically connects to the Gogo Cloud Wi-Fi signal and does a complete content update – all without any intervention from the flight crew. The transfer takes place at ultra-high speed – typically less than 60 seconds to load a 30-minute TV episode, and about three minutes for a feature-length movie. Aircell’s UCS 5000 system is business aviation’s first all-in-one smart router/media server.

John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “Part of what’s kept business aviation’s in-flight entertainment experience in the dark ages is the challenge of quickly and affordably delivering such large data files to aircraft. With Gogo Cloud, we wanted to make updating easy – and it’s hard to get easier than ‘automatic’,” concluded Wade.

Beginning in January 2014, Gogo Cloud will be available at select Signature Flight Support facilities, and equipment packages will be available to individual flight departments that want to bring Gogo Cloud capabilities to their own hangars.

Signature Flight Support Named Launch FBO Partner
Signature Flight Support has been selected as the exclusive FBO launch partner for Gogo Cloud.

Initial facilities are already equipped with the service at IAD, MCO and LAS and approximately 15 key business and resort Signature locations are expected to be live by the end of 2014.

Maria Sastre, President and Chief Operating Officer, Signature Flight Support, said, “Gogo Cloud will be a great addition to Signature Flight Support’s world-class customer experience. Business aircraft can get their in-flight entertainment updates and all their flight support services met in a single stop. We’re well underway with Gogo Cloud deployment – three facilities are already up

and running, including our FBO at McCarran International right here in Las Vegas. We look forward to additional facilities being added to the system in 2014 starting with key business and resort locations” concluded Sastre.

Aircell’s Wade commented, “We’re thrilled to have Signature Flight Support as the launch FBO partner for Gogo Cloud. Their facilities are located at many of the busiest business aviation airports, giving customers easy access to Gogo Cloud when they’re away from home base,” he concluded.

Gogo Cloud Available for Individual Flight Department Facilities
Flight departments can get the convenience of IFE updates at their own facilities by purchasing a

simple equipment package that turns their hangar into a Gogo Cloud location. This provides continuous, fully-automatic updates any time their aircraft are at home.

• UCS 5000 is a single system that harnesses a full array of in-flight connectivity, entertainment and information

LAS VEGAS, NV [NBAA2013] | October 21, 2013 – Aircell (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, announces the UCS 5000, the industry’s first all-in-one smart router and media server.

John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “Business aviation’s in- flight experience has never been richer, but installing and using all those capabilities has become quite complex. UCS is a single, backbone system that manages and simplifies the way passengers access today’s vast menu of capabilities. It provides not only all the needed router functionality and interfaces, but offers the optional bonus of a full-fledged media server, in-flight entertainment (IFE) service, and the industry’s only fully-automatic update capability – all in a single unit.

“Many UCS features are offered as options, so it’s easy for operators to choose the capabilities they need – without paying for things they don’t. With features selected for the mission, UCS is as cost-effective for a light turboprop with a simple Internet system on board, as it is for the most capable, ultra-long-range aircraft. Further, since many UCS features are available via software key, new capabilities can be added at any time, without requiring any additional hardware. It’s a very flexible solution,” concluded Wade.
Smart Router Functions
First and foremost, UCS is a smart router. It provides 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi service with access to all in-cabin wireless services with a single log on – eliminating multiple connections and manual switching. Additional key features:

• Triple the in-cabin wireless bandwidth of traditional router solutions, permitting the simultaneous use of voice, connectivity and entertainment services without interruption.

• Dynamic, simultaneous management of multiple voice and data networks – giving aircraft operators the option of prioritizing services and devices to meet their needs for performance, budget and convenience.

• Management of on-board Iridium, Gogo Biz and SwiftBroadband services. Designed to manage services such as Ku-band, Global Xpress Ka-band and Iridium NEXT in the future.

• An integrated 3G/4G cellular modem, providing optional Internet connectivity on the ground and enabling light, over-the-air IFE content updates.

• Integrated PBX capabilities for seamless management of voice calls with wired/wireless handsets and personal smartphones, via Aircell’s optional Gogo Text & Talk service.

• Optional data compression (WAN optimization), which maximizes the efficiency and perceived performance of SwiftBroadband.

Media Server Functions
UCS is the industry’s first smart router that is also an optional, full-fledged media server.

• UCS is the hardware that delivers Gogo Vision, Aircell’s new on-demand IFE service. Gogo Vision gives passengers a complete, always-rotating library of the latest movies and TV episodes – along with news, flight progress information and destination weather – at their fingertips.

• Passenger-to-passenger file transfer, screen sharing and in-cabin file storage capabilities are also available.

Fully Automatic IFE Updates

In another industry first, UCS includes Wi-Fi bridge capabilities, which allow operators to obtain fully-automatic IFE content updates when the aircraft visits any Gogo Cloud location. When an aircraft arrives, the UCS system automatically connects to the Gogo Cloud Wi-Fi signal and performs a complete content update – all without any intervention from the flight crew. Currently expected to be available in January 2014, Gogo Cloud will be available at select Signature Flight Support facilities, and individual flight departments can purchase equipment packages to bring Gogo Cloud capabilities to their own hangars.

Additional Information and Availability

By combining functionality with features traditionally offered through separate hardware, UCS can also reduce box count – simplifying operation while reducing equipment cost, installation complexity and weight. Available in January 2014, UCS is extremely small and lightweight – only 9.3 lbs and two MCU in size.

Las Vegas, NV [NBAA2013] – October 21, 2013 – Aircell (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, announces Gogo Vision, an on-demand in-flight entertainment (IFE) and information service for the business aviation market.
The first service of its kind in business aviation, Gogo Vision offers a complete, always-rotating library of the latest movies and TV episodes – along with news, flight progress information and destination weather. Rather than being a “bring your own” approach, Gogo Vision content is stored in an on-board server and streamed directly to personal electronic devices such as tablets and laptops. The library of content aboard the aircraft can be refreshed as often as the aircraft owner chooses.
Because Aircell has distribution and licensing agreements directly with the biggest names in global entertainment, including NBC Universal, Warner Brothers, Twentieth Century Fox and Magnolia Pictures, Gogo Vision offers many of the most popular titles.

Fully Automatic Updates via Gogo Cloud
In another first for business aviation, Gogo Vision customers have the option of fully-automatic content updates via Gogo Cloud – Aircell’s new, nationwide content distribution network. Available at select Signature Flight Support locations, Gogo Cloud uses Wi-Fi technology to automatically load a 30-minute TV episode in approximately 60 seconds or a feature-length movie in about three minutes when the aircraft arrives.

Individual flight departments can also purchase a simple Aircell equipment package that brings Gogo Cloud capabilities to their own hangars, giving them continuous updates any time an aircraft is at home base.

John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “Gogo Vision puts a broad, constantly-rotating library of the hottest Hollywood movies and TV episodes at passengers’ fingertips.” Wade continued, “With the option of fully automatic updates, Gogo Vision requires almost no effort from the flight department – no more trips to the video store, no more guessing what passengers might want to watch and no more manual downloading.”

Aircell’s new UCS 5000 – business aviation’s first all-in-one smart router and media server – is the hardware that powers Gogo Vision. UCS uses fully-certified, DO-160-compliant aviation componentry, which eliminates obsolescence issues found with off-the-shelf, consumer-based technologies. If a customer has UCS in place aboard the aircraft for router functions, Gogo Vision can be activated simply by purchasing a software key – no additional hardware is required.

Gogo Vision is currently expected be available starting in January 2014.

• Aircell will offer GX Aviation satellite airtime to the business aviation market

Las Vegas, NV [NBAA 2013] | October 22, 2013– Aircell (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, announces that it has been appointed by Honeywell Aerospace as a distribution partner and airtime reseller for GX Aviation (GX), Inmarsat’s emerging Ka-band satellite service in the business aviation market.

The first globally-available, high-speed broadband service, GX Aviation will offer unprecedented bandwidth and online performance to the aeronautical market. GX Aviation is scheduled to enter service in early 2015.

The agreement was signed with Honeywell, which is the designated business aviation reseller and hardware provider for GX Aviation.

“Honeywell’s high-speed Ka-band connectivity solutions will support the growth trajectory in consumer electronics enabling more and more flexible cabin capabilities,” said Mike Edmonds, Vice President, Marketing and Product Management of Aerospace Services at Honeywell Aerospace. “Honeywell and Aircell will work together to offer airtime for business jet travelers through truly global, consistent and high-speed connectivity.”

John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “We’re pleased to be selected to offer this important new service to the business aviation market. Aircell already offers one of the most comprehensive in-flight connectivity portfolios in the industry, and offering GX Aviation services is a very logical addition.”

Announcement Expands Aircell’s Suite of Services
Adding the GX Aviation service to its portfolio will expand Aircell’s product and service offering and further support its mission to meet any business aircraft’s need for communications, connectivity and entertainment, regardless of aircraft type or geography.

A number of unique Aircell features will be available to GX Aviation customers. One example is the company’s new Gogo Text & Talk service – which allows passengers to call and text via Wi-Fi in flight, using their own smartphones and mobile numbers. Customers will also be able to receive a single monthly invoice for all their Aircell in-flight services.

Aircell will announce specific GX Aviation monthly service plans and rates at a later date.

• GX Aviation remains on track for service entry in early 2015

NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, Las Vegas Nevada | October 22, 2013– Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the world’s leading provider of mobile satellite communications services, and Honeywell Aerospace have announced Aircell, Gogo’s (NASDAQ: GOGO) business aviation subsidiary, as a GX Aviation distribution partner for the business aviation market. Aircell is already an Inmarsat SwiftBroadband distribution partner.

The formal GX agreement is between Aircell and Honeywell, the designated business aviation reseller for Inmarsat’s ground-breaking Ka-band connectivity services.

“GX Aviation is rapidly gathering momentum and everything is coming into place. The first satellite is scheduled to be available to support a launch as early as December this year. The development of the ground infrastructure is progressing as planned and Honeywell is moving ahead with the airborne terminals,” said Miranda Mills, Inmarsat President, Aviation. “With the addition of Aircell to our list of distribution partners, we have signed up all the major inflight connectivity service providers and we are already having very positive discussions with aircraft owners and operators.”

Using Ka-band technology, GX Aviation will be the first globally available high-speed broadband network. It will offer the unique combination of global coverage from a single operator, consistent higher performance with true broadband speeds, and the network reliability for which Inmarsat is renowned.

John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “We’re pleased to be selected to offer this important new service to the business aviation market. Aircell already offers one of the most comprehensive in-flight connectivity portfolios in the industry, and offering GX Aviation service is a very logical addition.”

The first of the Inmarsat-5 satellites which will make up the GX constellation is currently in final preparation for shipment at Boeing’s El Segundo satellite manufacturing facility. It will be traveling to Kazakhstan in the next few weeks.  GX Aviation is scheduled to enter service in early 2015.

• ATG 2000 system an additional option for Gogo Biz Internet and voice capabilities

Broomfield, CO | September 27, 2013–

Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services for the business aviation market and a division of Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO), announces the ATG 2000, a new equipment package that provides Gogo Biz in-flight Internet and voice service for the business aviation market.

Joining the existing family of Gogo Biz equipment packages, the ATG 2000 is designed to effectively and affordably provide Internet and voice services aboard aircraft with fewer users and/or lighter passenger loads, such as light jets and turboprops.

Aircell also announces Travel Management Company (TMC) as the launch customer for the ATG 2000. TMC is adding the system to its entire light jet charter fleet. Once installations are complete next month, Gogo Biz service will be available aboard the entire TMC charter fleet – nearly 70 aircraft in total.

ATG 2000 – Key Capabilities

• General web browsing and e-mail with a mobile broadband experience
• Voice service (optional)
  • Up to two simultaneous voice calls
  • Compatible with the Gogo® Text & Talk service, which allows passengers to call and text in flight, using their own smartphone and mobile number
  • Compatible with the Gogo® OnePhone cabin handset
• Connect up to three personal devices – including smartphones, tablets and laptops
• Streaming video and audio services are not supported
• Typical system MSRP is $57,000, excluding dealer installation and voice options

Because the ATG 2000 doesn’t enable streaming video/audio services and the system supports a limited number of user devices, data consumption is naturally curbed – helping manage monthly service costs.

For aircraft that require more advanced features or the ability to connect a higher number of user devices, Aircell’s existing ATG 4000 and ATG 5000 systems remain available.

“The ATG 2000 is a great new equipment option that offers the most popular Gogo Biz connectivity and voice services in an affordable equipment package,” said John Wade, Aircell’s executive vice president and general manager. “Among other segments, we expect it to be a popular option for light jets and turboprops, as well as for customers replacing MagnaStar systems prior to the Airfone shutdown on December 31 this year,” he concluded.

Monthly data plans for Gogo Biz start at $395/month, while voice plans start at $134.95/month.

ATG 2000 shipments begin October 7th.

 

• Gogo Text & Talk service allows passengers to call and text via Wi-Fi in flight, using their own smartphone and mobile number. Company also adds voice capabilities to existing Gogo Biz service.

Broomfield, CO | August 28, 2013– Aircell (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, announces that its Gogo Biz service will expand to include voice capabilities, beginning October 1st. Gogo Biz was originally launched in 2009 as an Internet-only service in the business aviation market.

Because Gogo Biz operates on Aircell’s air-to-ground technology, its voice calls are among the clearest in aviation – on par with mobile phone calls on the ground. As a “two-in-one” service, Gogo Biz offers Internet and voice capabilities from a single system, which can eliminate the need for separate systems, dramatically reducing equipment requirements and installation costs.

Monthly voice plans for Gogo Biz start at $134.95/month, which includes 60 voice minutes.

In flight, passengers and flight crews can use the new Gogo Biz voice capabilities on their own smartphones and/or with Aircell’s new cabin handsets, as detailed below:

• Gogo Text & Talk. Your Own Smartphone, Your Own Number

Gogo Text & Talk is an exclusive new service that allows passengers to use their own smartphones for calling and texting in flight – with their own mobile number.

It’s easy to use because it mimics the native features and operation of the passenger’s smartphone. Passengers can use their own contact lists and hands-free devices. Features like Caller ID and call histories are supported. Calling someone in flight is as simple as dialing their number.

Gogo Text & Talk is a game-changing service because it operates over Wi-Fi technology (not cellular) and uses the passenger’s own mobile number (not an auto-attendant, two-step dialing or call-forwarding protocol). Because the service is 100% software-based, it can be added to any standard Gogo Biz equipment package without additional hardware, weight or installation downtime. This makes Gogo Text & Talk practical for aircraft as small as light jets and turboprops – while being hundreds of thousands of dollars less expensive than traditional, picocell-based solutions, which offer similar capabilities.

Available with any Gogo Biz system, Gogo Text & Talk is obtained by purchasing a software key for the aircraft’s onboard equipment and installing a free app on passengers’ smartphones. The service will be available for iPhone 4, 4S and 5 beginning October 1st. Support for select Android devices will begin on November 1st. More information is available at www.aircell.com/gogotexttalk.

• The Gogo OnePhone. Aircell’s Next-Generation Cabin Handset

The new Gogo OnePhone offers superior voice quality and the industry’s most advanced noise reduction technology. Its big, bright, touchscreen display and Android-based operating system mean it’s very easy to use. High-end industrial design and carefully-chosen finishes and materials make it a perfect complement to any business aircraft interior. Wired and wireless options are available.

Shipments of the Gogo OnePhone will begin October 15th. More information is available at www.aircell.com/gogoonephone.

John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, commented, “Although in-flight Internet has captured the world’s interest in recent years, customers never stopped asking for the ability to use their own smartphone – with their own number – to call and text while they fly. We firmly believe in the future of in-flight voice service and the role it plays in our ‘always on’ lifestyles. With today’s introduction of voice capabilities for Gogo Biz, a new cabin handset and the ability to use personal smartphones, customers have more options than ever,” he concluded.

Broomfield, CO | June 19, 2013– Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, announces that Travel Management Company (TMC) will introduce Aircell’s Gogo Biz service across its entire, rapidly-expanding fleet of light jet charter aircraft. In October this year when the expansion is expected to be complete, TMC’s total charter fleet will encompass nearly 70 aircraft with complimentary Gogo Biz service available on every aircraft.

TMC operates the largest, privately-owned fleet of Hawker 400XP and Hawker 800XP charter aircraft in the United States. It first introduced Gogo Biz in-flight Internet service aboard its fleet of mid-size Hawker 800XP’s in 2012.

”In an extremely competitive charter market, the customer experience is a big part of what differentiates TMC,” said Scott Wise, TMC General Manager. “With in-flight Internet available on more and more charter aircraft, it’s become a must-have amenity – you have to offer it or you’re going to lose business. Gogo Biz has impacted our business very positively in the mid-size segment. We’re excited to add it to our light jets and have it available on our entire fleet,” he concluded.

John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “TMC is an aggressive company that continues to leverage Gogo Biz in-flight Internet as a competitive differentiator in the charter business. For many years, in-flight connectivity was the exclusive domain of ultra-long range business aircraft. Today’s announcement puts an exclamation point on the fact that times have changed – it’s now practical and affordable enough for light jets.”

– Program includes ‘no charge’ certification packages for operators installing Aviator 200 systems

EBACE, Geneva, Switzerland | May 20, 2013– Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, announces that it has signed an agreement with P3 Voith Aerospace GmbH, Hamburg, Germany, to develop several new Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the Aviator 200 in-flight connectivity system in the European market.

Under the program, Aircell will provide complete, no-cost STCs to operators installing an Aviator 200 system at an authorized Aircell Dealer and activating a new SwiftBroadband service plan with Aircell. Plans for the first STC in the program are now being finalized, and the company is seeking aircraft to be used as the certification platform for future STCs.

“Providing no charge certification packages to operators will significantly reduce installation costs and allow more people to enjoy the productivity-enhancing benefits of in-flight connectivity in Europe,” said John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager. “By establishing this program in partnership with members of the European business aviation community, Aircell continues to support the proliferation of in-flight connectivity services.”

For full program details, interested operators are encouraged to contact Jean-Luc Rosenfeld, Aircell’s European Sales Manager, on +41 32 841 2838 or jrosenfeld@aircell.com.

In related news, Aircell recently became a Distribution Partner and Service Provider for Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband service. Aircell recently debuted its new SwiftBroadband monthly service plans, which feature rates that automatically decrease as data usage increases, no locked pricing requirements and no overage fees. More information about SwiftBroadband and Aircell’s new monthly service plans is available at www.aircell.com/swiftbroadband.

BROOMFIELD, CO | April 23, 2013– Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, has named five organizations to receive the company’s highest dealer honor for 2012 – called the Aircell 51,000 Five.

The Aircell 51,000 Five award recognizes the five highest-performing organizations in the company’s global dealer & distributor network, as chosen by the Aircell Executive Team.

Recipients of the Aircell 51,000 Five award for 2012 are as follows (in alphabetical order):•

• Constant Aviation – Cleveland, OH
• Duncan Aviation – Lincoln, NE, and Battle Creek, MI
• Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. – Savannah, GA
• Jet Aviation – St. Louis, MO
• StandardAero – Springfield, IL

Award selection is based on each dealer’s demonstrated commitment to helping customers get the most out of in-flight connectivity, technical expertise, sales performance and other factors.

Representing a pinnacle of achievement for an Aircell Dealer, the award’s name was inspired by the highest altitude reached by aircraft in the business aviation industry – 51,000 feet. Trophies were presented to each organization in a ceremony held last month during the Aircraft Electronics Association’s Annual Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV.

– Spectrum will be utilized to boost capacity of Gogo and Gogo Biz in-flight Internet services; Airfone service to be decommissioned December 31, 2013

Broomfield, CO | April 15, 2103– Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, has completed its acquisition of the Airfone business unit of LiveTV, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways Corporation. The agreement includes LiveTV’s 1 MHz air-to-ground spectrum license, as well as the Airfone in-flight communications service, network infrastructure and back-office operational assets.

“We’re delighted to welcome Airfone customers and dedicated employees to the Aircell family,” said John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager.

With a history dating back to the 1970’s, the Airfone service currently operates on frequencies adjacent to those utilized by Aircell’s Gogo Biz in-flight Internet service in the business aviation market – as well as Gogo in the commercial airline market. To support the ongoing expansion of those services, the Airfone service will be permanently decommissioned on December 31, 2013.
Airfone subscribers can visit www.airfonetransition.com to obtain complete details about the pending network shutdown – including timelines, FAQ’s, replacement system options, contact information and more.

To help ease the transition for affected operators, Aircell is offering special replacement incentives on a number of its voice and Internet systems. The incentive program – available exclusively to current Airfone subscribers through December 31, 2013 – allows customers to preserve or expand their in-flight communications capabilities at below-market costs.

“In-flight communications have become an indispensable part of the business aviation experience. To ensure operators aren’t without needed communications capabilities after the December 31 Airfone service shutdown, customers with MagnaStar units are encouraged to begin planning their transition now,” said Wade.

For more information and assistance, Airfone service customers are invited to contact Kristi Stengl, Aircell’s Transition Concierge, at kstengl@aircell.com or phone +1.303.301.3448.

Las Vegas, NV | March 26, 2013– Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, announces additional details regarding the pending expansion of Gogo Biz® in-flight Internet service for business aircraft operating in Canada.

Today, Gogo Biz allows passengers and flight crews to enjoy high-speed Internet access above 10,000 feet in the continental U.S. and portions of Alaska, using their own Wi-Fi enabled laptops, tablets, smartphones, electronic flight bags and other mobile devices. Gogo Biz was originally launched to the business aviation market in 2009 with service coverage in the Continental United States. Alaskan coverage was added in 2010.

Notes on the Canadian expansion of Gogo Biz in the business aviation market:
• Gogo Biz is expected to be available in portions of Canada beginning in the first
quarter of 2014.
• No roaming fees will be assessed when using Gogo Biz in Canada. Customers’ selected
Gogo Biz monthly service plan will allow them to use the service anywhere its available
in the Continental U.S., Alaska and Canada.
• Map outlining anticipated Canadian coverage areas for Gogo Biz, which will include the
most populous regions and flight routes: http://www.aircell.com/maps/canada
• Map outlining North American coverage areas for Gogo Biz, after Canadian service
becomes available: http://www.aircell.com/maps/northamerica

John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “Along with serving the connectivity needs of business aircraft based in Canada, the Gogo Biz expansion will further support aircraft as they travel between the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. The Canadian expansion will allow Gogo Biz customers to connect everywhere the service is available in the Continental U.S., Alaska and Canada – all with a single monthly service plan, with no roaming fees.”

NBAA, Orlando, FL | October 29, 2012– Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, announces that Avjet Corporation, an international provider of aircraft charter and management solutions, has reached the mid-point in a program to equip its charter fleet with Aircell’s Gogo Biz™ in-flight Internet service. More than 50% of Avjet’s charter aircraft now offer the service.

Gogo Biz allows passengers and flight crews to enjoy high-speed Internet capabilities above 10,000 feet in the continental U.S. and portions of Alaska, using their own Wi-Fi enabled laptops, tablets, smartphones, electronic flight bags and other mobile devices.

Mark Lefever, President of Avjet Corporation, said, “In-flight Internet service has quickly become an expected amenity in the charter industry. In today’s market, it’s actually becoming increasingly difficult to book charter aircraft without it. Avjet is pleased to be equipping its fleet with the service that passengers want the most. We’ve been very pleased with Gogo Biz – the service has been fantastic, passengers love it and the economics are very positive.

“We debuted the service on two additional aircraft in the last 60 days and we have several more installations in the planning stages. By this time next year, we expect most of our fleet will be equipped with Gogo Biz,” concluded Lefever.

BROOMFIELD, CO | July 17, 2012– Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, announces that it has appointed John Hinton to the position of Regional Sales Manager.

In his new role, John is responsible for assisting business aircraft operators and aftermarket installation facilities with their in-flight connectivity needs in the Northeastern United States. He reports to Bill Darbe, Aircell’s Director, Aftermarket Sales.

A veteran of the business aviation industry, John comes to Aircell with expert-level knowledge of today’s airborne communications systems and services. Prior to joining Aircell, he was a principal sales manager with Rockwell Collins. Earlier in his career, he held positions of increasing responsibility with Airshow. He also served as a Guidance and Control Technician in the United States Air Force. John and his family live in Castle Rock, Colorado

November 29, 2011 — Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, today announced the selection of Gogo as its partner to bring Inmarsat’s Global Xpress™ satellite service to the commercial airline market. Gogo will be a service provider, distributing Global Xpress service to the global commercial aviation market. Inmarsat has also selected Gogo’s business aviation subsidiary, Aircell, as a distribution partner for the business and government aviation markets.

“With Gogo onboard as a service provider, we’ve rounded out our team to deliver Global Xpress to the commercial aviation market, starting in 2013,” said Leo Mondale, Managing Director of Inmarsat GX. “The superior performance and economics of Global Xpress versus any other satellite solution in the aviation marketplace uniquely position us to support passenger connectivity across commercial and business aviation markets, on a sustainable basis. The combination of the Inmarsat Ka- and L-band satellite technologies with Gogo’s air-to-ground service will support adoption of superior connectivity solutions across entire airline fleets in a way that really makes sense. We see a major commercial opportunity for Global Xpress in aviation services, which will in turn support the future growth of Inmarsat.”

Working with Inmarsat, Gogo will begin in-flight testing of the Global Xpress aeronautical services after the launch of the first Inmarsat-5 satellite, which is scheduled for mid-2013. Gogo plans to offer regional service in 2013 with services for air transport, business aviation and government customers expected worldwide later in 2014.

Inmarsat’s Global Xpress service will allow Gogo to utilize the first global Ka-band solution, which is expected to bring significantly improved performance to the global aero market in terms of coverage, capacity and cost. With expected transmission speeds up to 50 megabits per second, Global Xpress will power a solution that provides a high-performing satellite experience for passengers and airlines alike.

“We believe that this is truly a game changer for our industry in that it’s the first scalable global solution in the market. Inmarsat has assembled an incredible team and we are highly confident in the execution plan we’ve put in place,” said Michael Small, Gogo’s president and CEO. “One of our goals is to be able to provide technology solutions that enable us to service the full-fleet needs of our current and future airline partners; regardless of aircraft size or mission. By partnering with Inmarsat, we are able to add an important piece to our technology puzzle.”

“Gogo is a leader in in-flight connectivity in terms of installing aircraft, managing bandwidth and driving customer adoption,” added Mondale. “We are excited to work with Gogo and all of our partners to bring Global Xpress to the aero market.”

Gogo and its subsidiary, Aircell, will also be appointed as a SwiftBroadband distribution partner for the aeronautical markets.

Gogo is a leading provider of in-air global satellite connectivity solutions for business aviation through Aircell, with more than 5,000 aircraft in service. Aircell has already installed equipment that utilizes Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband solution for global connectivity service on more than 100 business aircraft.

As usual, the recent NBAA is a source of great story material if bizjets are your thing. Without a doubt, IFE takes a backseat to connectivity at this show, but the business aviation community is all about technology and its value to businesses. One theme that rings true for bizjets (and, no doubt commercial aviation) is “No Plane, No Gain”. While the value of business aircraft and their political ramifications are usually discussed in a “wink, wink, nod, nod” manner by us mortals, they do have their place in business. As an example, the growing business aviation market in China has not escaped the eye of Boeing and Airbus, and thus readers, we thought you might like to check out some of the presentations that will color the future of commercial connectivity.

The NBAA usually has a very robust presentation/panel discussion effort and the 64th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas was no different. Topics from flight safety to aircraft leasing are routinely covered. Of the 32 panel discussion/presentation meetings, we found a few very interesting as they chart a course for inflight connectivity options and practices. We really liked the downloadable PDF’s describing satcom connectivity – “NBAA Connecting Your Aircraft with Satellite Communications: The Equipment Providers” & “NBAA All the Satellite Communication Services You Want: The Multi-Service Providers”; and yes, the Grand Dame of IFE Satellite Connectivity, Elizabeth Young, presided over both. We contacted Liz and she told IFExpress: “Business jets are often the leaders in adapting and adopting new technology.  At this year’s NBAA convention, there was keen interest from the biz jet community in how Inmarsat and Iridium and the manufacturers who offer associated avionics and IFE services are expanding the options for aircraft owners and operators.  While the coming of Ka-band services globally attracted attention, improvements in existing L-band and Ku-band services was also a ‘hot topic’.” In all, 8 PDF’s that tell a good story in total of the present condition of inflight data connectivity, voice, text messaging, and TV for the bizjet environments.

If the next generation of bizjet equipment (avionics, non-IFE and USA slanted) is your thing, try this panel presentation – “NBAA NexGen Equippage”

At the show Thrane & Thrane delivered an interesting bizjet price point factoid about their newest satcom data system, AVIATOR, that seemed relevant to the world of inflight connectivity: “2 years ago, 128Kbps of data would have cost $500,000.00. Today, you can get 200Kbps at well under $100,000.00 for an AVIATOR 200 installed!” Now, if you just had a bizjet.

As an aside, the NBAA and pilot/owner members participate in a charity service that cannot be matched, Angel Flight. The free service helps those who need medical attention at remote locations who would not be able to afford or could not travel on commercial aircraft. We also note that the NBAA has come out publicly at the show against a new per-flight user taxes against non-recreational aircraft operators on top of the per-gallon fee on aircraft fuel ($100/flight). Bolen Tells Lawmakers: Industry Supports NextGen, But Not User Fees | NBAA – National Business Aviation Association

And now for something completely different:

IFExpress has been looking quite sometime for a technically updated description of the latest Wi-Fi networks, sans equations. There seems to be little out there that is technical enough but still readable in one setting. Not any more thanks to Ars Technica so we thought we would share it with our readers.

Don’t forget the APEX TC.