• Affordable new system enables in-flight e-mail and use of personal smartphones

Dallas, TX | April 8, 2015– [AEA International Convention & Trade Show] – Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading provider of in-flight connectivity and entertainment solutions to the global aero market, announces the ATG 1000 – a new connectivity system particularly well-suited for light jets, turboprops and owner-flown aircraft.

Via the Gogo Biz network service, the ATG 1000 enables high-performance e-mail with attachments and calling and texting with passengers’ own smartphones and mobile numbers.

The ATG 1000 is software-upgradable, which gives customers the unique ability to add connectivity features – such as web browsing – at any time, simply by purchasing a software key.

Beyond passenger use, in-flight connectivity continues to grow in popularity among flight crews. In the future, the ATG 1000 is also expected to support select cockpit and operational applications.

Originally launched for the business aviation market in 2009, the Gogo Biz network service utilizes Gogo’s unique air-to-ground technology, providing service coverage throughout the continental U.S. and portions of Alaska and Canada above 10,000 feet.

ATG 1000 – Key Capabilities

  • High-performance e-mail with attachments – via traditional e-mail clients and web mail
  • Calling & texting with passengers’ own smartphones and mobile numbers
  • Connect up to five personal Wi-Fi devices – including smartphones, tablets and laptops
  • Compatible with the Gogo OnePhone cabin handset (optional)
    Software-upgradeable
  • In the future, it is expected to provide connectivity to power select, third-party cockpit and operational applications
  • Complete ATG 1000 system MSRP is $35,000, excluding dealer installation and optional accessories

John Wade, Gogo Business Aviation’s executive vice president and general manager, said, “We’re pleased to introduce another new Gogo Biz equipment package to the business aviation market. The ATG 1000’s affordability will make a connected in-flight experience accessible to a whole new category of aircraft. With high-performance e-mail and personal smartphone use, it’s basic connectivity that’s anything but basic.”

ATG 1000 shipments are expected to begin this summer.

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.

Itasca, Ill. | October 24, 2011 — Gogo, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity, and Ford have teamed up to give passengers free access to Ford’s new interactive Mustang Customizer. This is the first time travelers will be able to access Ford’s popular Mustang Customizer and share their Mustang creations from the stratosphere for free.

Passengers aboard flights equipped with Gogo’s in-flight Wi-Fi who configure their Mustang will then gain access to Facebook for the duration of their flight. The special promotion starts October 21, 2011 and ends November 18, 2011.

Passengers can choose to customize their Mustang from literally trillions of combinations: 78,791,049,216,000 combinations to be exact. Passengers start by choosing a Mustang V6, GT, Boss 302 or Shelby GT500. Their custom touch is blended with three different backgrounds – a dragway, cityscape or drive-in restaurant – along with five different angles from which to check out the design. Accessories include body kits, wheels, decals, grilles and decklids, along with parts from Ford Racing Performance Parts and Ford Vehicle Personalization. Passengers can also save and share their mustangs with their friends on Facebook. When they’re through playing with their new Mustang, they can enjoy free access to Facebook on Gogo so they can keep in touch with friends and family at 30,000 feet.

“This is the second time Gogo has worked with Ford in creative ways to promote their brand via Gogo’s in-air network,” said Ash ElDifrawi, Gogo’s chief marketing officer. “We’re extremely excited to work with them on building a rich media opportunity to reach travelers and bring their cutting edge, interactive Mustang Customizer to passengers at 30,000 feet. This promotion is one more way Gogo is working with partners to bring exciting entertainment options to travelers while offering creative marketing solutions for advertisers.”

Accessing the Ford Mustang Customizer is easy. Passengers with their own Wi-Fi enabled device can simply open their Internet browser. From there, they will automatically be directed to Gogo’s in-air Web site where they will see a special promotion. From there, they just click on the promotion and they will automatically be directed to the Ford Mustang Customizer.

“We are really excited to give Gogo users a chance to customize their very own Mustang while in flight,” added Brian McClary, emerging and social media specialist at Ford. “The Mustang Customizer has proven to be a great way for users to create their own Mustang and provides an interactive and immersive experience.”

Firstly, thank you vendors for your valuable time at the show. As we noted last week, because of space limitations we can only summarize; however, IFExpress plans to devote complete Hot Topic subjects on some of the big deals in the upcoming months. We also note that IFExpress planned to dedicated two issues for APEX summaries. Wrong! We now need three and the third is to come next week.

APEX reports 2300 delegates and 73 airlines in attendance while most visitors enjoyed good, but unusual, Seattle weather. We again note that many show images are available by clicking the show image in this newsletter (to the right) and on the IFExpress/AIRFAX.com website.

Here we go:

Once again Geoff Underwood and his IFPL team knocked our collective socks off with 3 prototypes for new products: a near field communication (NFC) initiative (and eventual product) that permits chip-powered credit card sales (PIN enabled) via a swipe and a keypad. He demonstrated an ingenious Self Testing Audio Jack with built-in audio test via small LED – simply send out the correct tone and the light gives a go/no-go visual indication (BTW, no seat power required and the jack is no bigger that a standard jack). Hey, one person can check out a plane’s worth of audio with a walk down the aisle! Lastly, we should mention their 3 part breakaway audio jack. That’s right, 3 parts!Lower cost and no broken audio plugs – patent in works.

PlaneBill‘s Massimo DeSanctis, the App man has 18 apps now, one each for Apple iOS, Android, and Windows 7. We hear he is working on apps for WebOS and Blackberry as well. Check out the link for the list or www.planebill.com. Why not have him build or customize one for you!

Goodrich‘s Al McGowan told IFExpress they are planning bigger IFE packages for their customers, mostly with a retrofit focus. Interestingly, we expect new products as they cross pollinate with their Military technologies and other business elements. And, don’t forget the GA market as Goodrich has purchased Audio International.

digEcor continues to promote their L7 portable and are looking toward more solid state memory for increased functionality. Two bits of info: 1. Alaska does NOT report lower uptakes rates with Gogo onboard, and 2. We can’t tell you about their long term initiatives but one looks very cool. Adam Williams sent us his Tweet analysis of the APEX event and we think you Social Marketing followers will appreciate the results. Adam (and others) are on the leading edge of the next marketing revolution.

And speaking of Gogo (Shouldn’t that be Go-Go?), we spoke with Fran Phillips, Mary Rogozinski, and Steve Nolan who note that they see Ka as their potential answer to future satcom-based streaming entertainment. Further, their ATG4 upgrade will provide enough interim growth bandwidth with A/C antenna changes and small ground station mods. But what really caught our fancy was a very passenger friendly new feature called “Resumption of Play”. This is great new attribute that allows Gogo users to see the portion of the paid entertainment they missed because of, for example, landing. Use a code, plug it into their website and voila, you have not missed that great part in “When Harry Met Sally”! Don’t remember? – YouTube it!

The Astronics folks now have the USB inset power product in production and deliveries and installations are happening as we write. We should probably note another Astronics accomplishment – Teatro ZinZanni. We don’t normally mention vendor events but this one was a deal breaker for us. Described as “Love, Chaos, and Dinner”, this Seattle dinner theatre was the setting for the Astronics party. The venue’s website notes a description for the show there as “Kit Kat Klub on acid”, however, that is mild for the madness that ensued – we think they served dinner too but we don’t remember? Singers, musicians, transvestites, tumblers, acrobats, and who knows what else, the place (and event) was a hoot. We have saved the best for last but you will have to check out the Industry Good Sport of the Year via this link…and we ain’t kidding! Nice job everybody.

Footnotes:
Rumor has it that the reason Inflight Canada missed the show is because they are finalizing a big deal new product – Stay Tuned.

Last week we forgot to mention that Thales nice guy Dan Reed has retired (or should we say “is” retiring), however, we understand he will work on till the end of the year – dan.reed@us.thalesgroup.com

ITASCA, IL. | August 3, 2011 –- Gogo, the world’s leading provider of in-flight connectivity and an innovator in in-flight entertainment, today announced the official launch of its new streaming video product – Gogo VisionTM – onboard American Airlines’ entire fleet of 15 Boeing 767-200 aircraft. American is the first North American airline to offer Gogo Vision to travelers.

Gogo Vision enables customers to wirelessly stream content such as movies and TV shows from an onboard server to Wi-Fi enabled laptops during flight.

“We definitely believe this is a game-changer in the world of in-flight entertainment,” said Ash ElDifrawi, Gogo’s chief marketing officer. “Gogo Vision is a low-cost, light-weight, easy-to-install solution that’s very different from traditional IFE. The result is the airlines now have both choice and flexibility on a per fleet basis.”

Gogo Vision features a growing list of movies and TV shows from major Hollywood studios to offer customers entertainment choices. Customers can sort titles by movie or TV, genre, length of feature, and other categories. Trailers are available for complimentary viewing prior to renting content. Movies and TV shows will remain accessible for viewing after the customer has landed – movies for 24 hours and TV shows for 72 hours. Unexpired rentals will be available for playback on the ground by using the same device and browser used onboard.

“We’ve been deeply involved in developing the concept of streaming video with Gogo, as part of our vision of continuing to elevate the travel experience by pushing the envelope with our inflight entertainment offerings,” said Rob Friedman, American’s Vice President – Marketing. “We continue to execute this strategy and lead in this space by making prudent investments in innovative, cutting-edge technologies. During this initial phase of launch, Entertainment On Demand allows customers to access content through select personal Wi-Fi enabled laptops, and in the coming months Gogo intends to make tablets and other devices available for use with the product.”

Gogo Vision is primarily available on transcontinental flights between New York JFK and Los Angeles and JFK and San Francisco – for the introductory price of $.99 per TV show and $3.99 per movie. Customers do not have to purchase in-flight Wi-Fi to purchase a movie or TV show.

Boosted by Increased Awareness and a Recovering Economy, Newest Generation of Inflight Connectivity Systems Finding Their Way Aboard Business Aircraft

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND [EBACE 2011] – May 16, 2011 –- As EBACE 2011 opens this week, Aircell, the world’s leading provider of inflight connectivity, reports the demand for inflight connectivity services has risen noticeably in recent months in the European business aviation market.

A number of things are seen as contributing to the boost in activity, including increased market understanding and awareness, the advent of a new generation of connectivity products and services, and a recovering world economy.

Operating facilities worldwide, including 10 in Europe, Jet Aviation is one of Aircell’s authorized aftermarket dealers. “Interest for inflight connectivity is definitely on the rise – we’re fielding more inquiries, giving more proposals, and performing more installations,” said Florent Feltrin, Regional Sales Director South-Western Europe at Jet Aviation MRO EMEA.

Jean-Luc Rosenfeld, Aircell’s European Sales Manager, said, “In many cases, we’re finding that operators simply aren’t aware of what the industry’s newest generation of equipment and service packages have done to increase capabilities and decrease cost. A prime example is the new Aviator 200 system, which provides global email, light Internet & voice service from an equipment package costing around $60,000. Since the system uses a small, low-gain antenna, it also eases certification requirements and reduces installation complexity, making it very well received in Europe,” concluded Rosenfeld.

Related updates on Aircell’s inflight connectivity products & services in Europe:

• Very popular in the OEM market, Aircell’s Aviator 300, powered by Thrane & Thrane, has now been selected for 12 factory airframe programs, including those at Bombardier Aerospace, Cessna Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation and Gulfstream Aerospace.
• Aftermarket certifications for Aviator-series products have recently been achieved on the King Air 200, Citation CJ1 and Bombardier Challenger series. Additional certification programs are currently underway for the Falcon 2000EX, Falcon 2000LX, Embraer Legacy, Beechcraft King Air 350, Cessna Citation XLS, Gulfstream IV, and DC-8 aircraft.
• Demand for Iridium-based inflight capabilities also continues to be strong in Europe. With small, light and affordable equipment, Iridium is still an unmatched value for global voice and narrowband data services.
• Aircell introduced the Aircell Smartphone in April and it has received an enthusiastic response in Europe. With first shipments in the coming months, it will allow passengers to place and receive voice calls as easily and conveniently as they do on the ground. In addition, its flexible Android OS platform sets the stage for a nearly unlimited set or rich-media features and functions in the future.

Aircell is displaying its entire inflight connectivity range at EBACE 2011 in Geneva this week, stand #1735. There will be a significant number of aircraft on static that have one or more Aircell connectivity systems aboard, allowing attendees to see them up close. Aircell will also be tweeting from the show – follow @AircellBizav by visiting www.twitter.com/aircellbizav.

BROOMFIELD, CO – April 21, 2011 -– Aircell, the world’s leading provider of inflight connectivity, has been selected as the 2011 winner of the Communication Technology Professionals’ (CTP) annual Ascent Award. Recognizing Aircell’s work with its Gogo® and Gogo Biz™ inflight Internet services, the award is based on innovation, growth and the impact being made in the telecommunications sector.

“Being chosen as winner of the Ascent Award is a great honor for Aircell and we’re very grateful to CTP and all involved,” said John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President & General Manager, Business Aviation Services. “Aircell’s inflight Internet services have literally transformed the travel experience for millions of passengers in the business aviation and airline markets. We’re proud to be making such a positive impact in Colorado and all over the world,” he concluded.

Joshua Holmberg, President of CTP, said, “Aircell was chosen by CTP for several reasons, but in a nutshell, they embodied the spirit of what we want this award to be about. Their core business model is based on embracing new technologies and making them accessible via a very unique channel. Since CTP represents thousands of communications professionals in Colorado, I am particularly grateful for the impact Aircell will continue to have on our local industry. This is a well-deserved award for Aircell.”

CTP’s Ascent Award is bestowed annually on the firm that best represents the Colorado spirit of innovation, growth and drive in telecommunications and is poised to make a near-term impact on the industry. Ascent nominees were selected based on assorted criteria and offered for voting from CTP associates. The company must have exhibited exceptional inspiration or insight in at least two of these areas: (a) new technology, (b) changing business models, (c) new products and/or (d) new customers or marketplace; The company must have made or will in the immediate future make a meaningful impact on the communications industry; The company must have a significant presence in Colorado; The company should embody the spirit of the Ascent Award showing energy, focus, growth, drive and innovation furthering communications technology.

In Celebration, Passengers Will Be Greeted By Gogo Gate Team Members With Complimentary Gogo Access

ITASCA, Ill., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ — Already enabling Internet access on more flights than any other service in the world, Aircell today announced it has installed Gogo® Inflight Internet on its 1,000th aircraft. The Delta Air Lines DC-9 will make its connected flight today from Detroit. To celebrate the occasion, passengers will be greeted by Gogo brand ambassadors, and treated to complimentary Gogo Internet access on board. Today’s 1,000th equipped aircraft caps a busy month for Aircell, in which it wired numerous Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines planes. Gogo Inflight Internet is now available on more than 3,800 flights daily, up from just 2,100 at this time last year. Roughly one-third of all mainline domestic aircraft now offer Gogo’s Inflight Internet service.

“This is a big milestone for our company and for consumers who want to stay connected at 30,000 feet,” said Michael Small, President and CEO of Aircell. “A few years ago Internet on a commercial flight was unheard of, and today it is commonplace. I want to thank our team and our airline partners for their dedication, but more importantly our customers who make our daily growth possible.”

Gogo will continue to roll-out on additional aircraft and airline partners throughout 2010 and beyond to provide consumers with Internet access to their wireless devices whenever they are in the air. With Gogo, passengers can browse the Web; access online music, games and podcasts; send and receive e-mail; and connect to virtual private networks while flying. The easy-to-use service provides passengers with full Internet access on any Wi-Fi-equipped laptop or personal electronic device at speeds similar to wireless mobile broadband services on the ground.

Company Also Debuts New Value-add Inflight Internet Programs for Companies that Operate Business Aircraft

BROOMFIELD, CO – August 12, 2010 – Aircell, the world’s leading provider of inflight connectivity, today announced that the company’s air-to-ground high-speed Internet service for the business aviation market – formerly known as Aircell High Speed Internet – has been rebranded as Gogo Biz™ Inflight Internet.

The move will more closely align the company’s service in its two primary markets – business aviation and commercial airlines. The increased brand familiarity and new value-add programs will make it easier for travelers to enjoy the productivity-enhancing benefits of inflight Internet, regardless of the type of aircraft they’re aboard. An overview follows of the services available in each market.

· Gogo Biz™ – Inflight Internet for Business Aviation. Gogo Biz is the only solution in business aviation that provides a true high speed Internet experience with equipment that is small and light enough to fit on virtually any business aircraft. The system has seen record-breaking adoption, having been selected by major aircraft manufacturers including Cessna Aircraft Company, Dassault Falcon Jet, and Hawker Beechcraft, as well as major fractional and charter operators including Clay Lacy Aviation, Flight Options, XOJET and NetJets. Unlimited and usage-based service plans are available with monthly costs starting as low as $395.
· Gogo® – Inflight Internet for Commercial Airlines. Today, Gogo is available on nearly 1,000 airline aircraft operated by Aircell’s airline partners, including American Airlines, Virgin America, Delta Air Lines, AirTran Airways, US Airways, United Airlines, Air Canada and Alaska Airlines. Millions of passengers have used the service since launch, and additional aircraft are being equipped on a daily basis.

John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “The benefits of inflight Internet don’t discriminate by the type of aircraft you’re flying on. Immediately from the start, Aircell’s air-to-ground technology developed an enthusiastic base of loyal customers in the airline and business aviation markets alike. Now by sharing a common brand in both markets, it’s even easier for travelers to make that connection.”
New Inflight Internet Programs for Business Aviation

As part of today’s Gogo Biz announcement, Aircell is also launching three new cross-market programs for business aircraft operators. The programs provide additional convenience, value and savings to companies that utilize commercial airlines along with business aviation in meeting their overall travel requirements. Here is a summary of the three programs:

1. Corporate Discount Program. If your company operates a business aircraft with Aircell connectivity services, you are eligible for company-wide discounts on Gogo Inflight Internet purchases on Gogo-equipped commercial airline aircraft.
2. Aircell Black Cards. Companies that equip their business aircraft with Gogo Biz Inflight Internet service between now and December 31, 2010, are eligible to receive three exclusive Aircell Black Cards at no additional cost. Each Aircell Black Card gives one user unlimited complimentary Gogo service aboard any Gogo-equipped commercial airline aircraft.
3. No-Cost Demonstrations. Companies that operate business aircraft are eligible to try Gogo service on any Gogo-equipped commercial airline aircraft, free of charge. This allows operators traveling on airline flights to experience the same type of Internet service that is available from Gogo Biz aboard their business aircraft. This program is available to anyone that operates a business aircraft, whether or not they are a current Aircell customer.

Wade continued, “We’re very pleased to debut the three new crossover programs. Representing the first of their kind for our company, they provide value to corporate flight departments and personnel throughout their companies.” Full program details are available from your Aircell representative or by contacting Aircell at +1.303.301.3271 or sales@aircell.com.

Through its diverse line of airborne communications products, Aircell offers one of the business aviation industry’s largest selections of network services. These services span multiple technologies, including air-to-ground, low-earth orbit satellite and geostationary satellite.

Appointment Comes as Aircell Experiences Rapid Adoption
of Inflight Internet in Business Aviation Market

BROOMFIELD, CO – April 22, 2010 – Aircell, the world’s leading provider of airborne
communications, today announced the promotion of John Wade to Executive Vice President
and General Manager, Business Aviation Services.

As a member of Aircell’s executive staff, Mr. Wade is responsible for overseeing the success
and direction of the company’s rapidly growing Business Aviation Services division in
Broomfield, CO. He reports to Michael Small, Aircell’s President and CEO.

Since Mr. Wade joined Aircell in November 2008, the company has launched two significant
new inflight connectivity products in the business aviation market. The Aircell High Speed
Internet system provides full-speed Internet service via the Aircell Network in the continental
U.S., and Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solution provides global voice and data connectivity for light
Internet service via the Inmarsat I-4 satellites.

“Aircell is a longstanding provider of airborne communications equipment, service and support
to the business aviation market,” said Aircell CEO Michael Small. “Our momentum in business
aviation is higher than it’s ever been. We began shipping the Aircell High Speed Internet system
in the middle of last year and have already delivered more than 200 systems, with a backlog
extending well beyond that. Systems are performing beyond expectation and the feedback
we’ve had from the market has been extremely positive. Business aviation is a key part of
Aircell’s future and we’re pleased to recognize that by having John assume the executive vice
president role,” he concluded.

Mr. Wade has more than 22 years of experience in avionics and inflight communications. Prior
to joining Aircell, he served as Chief Technical Officer and General Manager at inflight mobile
phone and Internet provider OnAir. He has also held senior executive positions at Tenzing
Communications, PRIMEX Aerospace Company and GEC Marconi In-Flight Systems, among
others. He is the co-author of two patents.

Little Debbie AirTran Jet
While multi-branding is not new to airliners (Alaska, Southwest, and others), we stumbled across this story on the net that is certainly one of the few to feature snack foods. The advertising agency that developed the concept, Luckie Strategic PR, told us that the aircraft branding and the Little Debbie Great American Getaway contest (on AirTran) were a natural. They even thought of giving away tiny Little Debbie cupcakes to passengers. The message here is: Be prepared for more logo/image dilution as airlines seek to generate more on the bottom line. For years, the airline has fiercely protected their airline ‘visual’ territory, specifically inside and outside the aircraft. This includes IFE re-branding. The Little Debbie co-branding could be the beginning of a paradigm shift and the real indicator will be when we see it inside the aircraft itself. Here is a bit more about the promotion: Little Debbie web site and news release.

A road warrior sent IFExpress this connectivity report: “Flying Dallas to Seattle last night, I used Gogo Inflight Wi-Fi on American Airlines.  From past experience, the service is reasonably good.  Two things struck me last night as I used it: 1) After you log into your account and pay for the session, you are then required to enter a Captcha code…..this was annoying and 2) Internet speed was almost unusably slow. I ran a few typical Internet speed tests and concluded the problem was unusually long latency times of 250ms – 500ms (10-20x slower than my internet connection at home).” (Editor’s Note: A Captcha code is one of those skewed letter/number interpretations that users must decipher to verify that data is being entered or retrieved by a real person. This can only be a sign that hackers, spammers and/or email data miners are hitting on inflight connectivity.)

The convergence of social media and airline stumbling hath wrought the following: With no “wide-body” solutions in sight, we remind our readers of the power of social media because Kevin Smith carried his rant publically via Twitter. Southwest really got gored on this one and we see that any service business must pay attention to the Blogs, Tweets, Buzz, and all other matter of social commentary. Why? Because people are listening and searching on the Internet and IFExpress will be there too. Seattle P-I Story

We hoped to bring you a review of a revolutionary connectivity product in this issue but we got so excited about using it that we wanted to test it more. Next issue – stay tuned!