AVANCE L3 Has Small, Lightweight Form Factor and Affordable Pricing Options

Broomfield, CO | February 7, 2018– Gogo Business Aviation’s innovative new inflight connectivity system – Gogo AVANCE^TM L3 – has received Supplemental Type Certification (STC) and Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) from the FAA.

The latest connectivity solution from Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) lets users customize their inflight experience based on their unique needs and can be installed on business aircraft of all types, sizes and ages, but is an ideal solution for smaller aircraft including turboprops and light jets. Gogo is actively fulfilling orders that have already been booked and installations are underway via Gogo’s dealer network.

AVANCE L3 delivers the benefits of the Gogo AVANCE platform to passengers and flight departments in a small, lightweight form factor, with the most affordable pricing options in business aviation. The AVANCE platform integrates a full range of Smart Cabin features, allowing passengers to simply and reliably access and use all available data, voice, maps, entertainment and cabin management system (CMS) services.

By leveraging the AVANCE platform, the L3 delivers an unparalleled level of flexibility so users can adjust their system’s capabilities up or down without anyone needing to board the aircraft. Once installed, if a customer’s needs change and they want more or fewer capabilities, Gogo can make the adjustments to the system remotely.

“AVANCE L3 delivers the ultimate in flexibility,” said Mike Syverson, senior vice president of development for Gogo Business Aviation. “The AVANCE software-centric platform gives us capabilities that are transformative to business aviation. Users are no longer constrained by the hardware itself and there’s no need for downtime in a hangar if business needs evolve and require different service levels.”

The new system provides a level of flexibility not seen before in business aviation that allows operators to tailor their passengers’ experience and control and manage the number of devices they allow to connect.

Using AVANCE L3, anyone onboard the aircraft can stay connected to email; send text messages and make voice calls with Gogo Text & Talk (service plan required); access their favorite flight apps such as moving maps, weather and flight information; or watch movies and TV shows using Gogo Vision (service plan required). For customers looking for full internet connectivity, AVANCE L3 can be enabled to connect to the Gogo Biz data network delivering a 3G experience. It’s the ultimate in scalability and flexibility.

Three service offerings are available:

Gogo’s dealers and OEM partners are actively pursuing multiple STCs that will certify the Gogo AVANCE L3 system for installation across a variety of business aircraft models. Most other business aircraft models will also be available for Gogo AVANCE L3 system installation utilizing existing STCs.

• Gogo Vision now standard with UCS 5000 smart cabin system; other enhancements now available

Orlando, FL | April 25, 2016– For movie and TV buffs who want the newest releases and can’t seem to binge enough on their favorite programming, Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO) is making it easier to do so with a number of enhancements to Gogo Vision, business aviation’s leading wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) system.

Gogo Vision provides a high-quality entertainment experience and minimizes the unpredictability of video and audio streaming costs. Available globally, Gogo Vision delivers the latest releases from Hollywood and approximately 200 on-demand movies and TV shows – along with moving maps, news, flight progress information and destination weather, in addition to file sharing, file transfer and Cabin Management Systems integration. Gogo Vision content is stored on an on-board server and streamed directly to personal electronic devices such as tablets or shown on cabin monitors.

Gogo Vision Enhancements

• Now included as a no-charge upgrade for UCS 5000 systems, for new customers signing up for a monthly subscription.
• Includes predictable monthly subscription set at $525, plus $10 per movie or $6 per TV episode, capped at $895 no matter how many movies or episodes are viewed.
• Automatic content updates are available in a customer’s own hangar and at Gogo Cloud locations in the U.S. and Europe; all required equipment and hardware for in-hangar updates is included at no cost.
• Gogo Vision can now be watched on in-cabin monitors in addition to personal devices such as iPhones, tablets and laptop computers with purchase of a Gogo Video Processor Unit (GVPU).

“There’s a lot of talk about being able to stream movies and TV programs in flight,” said John Wade, Gogo Business Aviation’s executive vice president and general manager. “Streaming services are great, but if you stream in-flight movies over a live connection from the ground, the cost of all those megabytes can be astronomical. Gogo Vision gives passengers a fantastic, turn-key IFE experience, minus the unpredictable costs.”

Itasca, IL | March 4, 2015– Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading global aero communications service provider and the world leader in wireless in-flight entertainment, will partner with Spafax to support the management and development of content for Gogo’s wireless in-flight entertainment product – Gogo Vision.

Spafax is a global leader when it comes to the management and curation of content for the aero market and currently has partnerships with more than 50 airlines. Gogo Vision is currently installed on more than 1700 commercial aircraft on six major airlines and a growing number of business aircraft.

“Partnering with Spafax is a natural fit. Tapping into their global content experience and leveraging it for our Gogo Vision product will only strengthen what has become the industry leading wireless IFE product,” said Ash ElDifrawi, Gogo’s chief commercial officer. “As we begin to roll out this product globally, having access to content tailored to fit the needs of different cultures and regions around the world will be an incredible asset.”

“We are excited to partner with Gogo as they accelerate the global expansion of their highly successful Gogo Vision Product,” adds Niall McBain, CEO of Spafax. “Content is at the core of our business, and we know that our international team of experts will help deliver an even more appealing and diverse Gogo Vision entertainment offer.”

Spafax currently works with hundreds of original content providers, including all major Hollywood and international studios. In addition to content procurement, Spafax’s world-class operations team will provide assistance to streamline the content delivery and integration process, further increasing speed and reliability for Gogo’s airline clients.

• AS9100 Certification is an Important Step for Manufacturer Line-fit Programs

Itasca, IL | February 12, 2015– Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading global aero communications service provider, announced today that its commercial aviation operation has earned AS9100 aerospace quality certification. AS9100 is the internationally recognized Quality Management System standard for the aviation, space and defense industries.

The certification satisfies a major requirement that must be satisfied in order for Gogo’s technologies to become a line fit option with aircraft manufacturers. Gogo has held this certification for its business aviation operation for several years.

“Obtaining the AS9100 certification reflects Gogo’s continued commitment to meeting the increasingly stringent industry quality requirements, and affirms our dedication to total quality and regulatory compliance,” said Arbela Takhsh, Gogo’s senior vice president of quality. “The addition of AS9100 certification for our commercial aviation business complements our existing quality management system and industry accreditations, and reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.”

Gogo is targeting to have line-fit evaluations for Boeing aircraft completed for its In-cabin network, Gogo Vision and Ku-band satellite solution in 2015 and for its Ka-band satellite solution in 2016. In addition, Gogo currently has an agreement in place with Boeing for line-fit provisions for its ATG-4 technologies on 737NG aircraft. The provisioning will allow airlines to make some modifications needed on new aircraft to improve the installation process for the ATG-4 service after an airline takes delivery. The provisioning is an important step toward achieving full line-fit capabilities.

Gogo also currently has line-fit capabilities on Bombardier for commercial aviation and is a factory option at every major business aircraft manufacturer, including Bombardier, Dassault Falcon Jet, Embraer, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., and Textron Aviation.

• 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.

ITASCA, ILL.| January 30, 2014– Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO), the world leader of in-flight connectivity and a pioneer in wireless in-flight digital entertainment solutions, announced today that it will add Gogo Vision to Japan Airlines’ (JAL) entire domestic fleet.  Gogo recently announced a partnership with JAL to provide in-flight Internet on the same fleet.

Gogo Vision is Gogo’s wireless in-flight entertainment service that allows passengers to rent movies and television shows and stream them to their own Wi-Fi enabled laptops or tablets.  The new service, as well as Internet connectivity, is expected to be available to JAL passengers beginning in the summer of 2014.

“Gogo Vision is a natural add-on service to Gogo’s connectivity product as it adds very limited incremental costs to the airline once the connectivity service is in place,” saidNiels Steenstrup, Gogo’s senior vice president, global airline sales.  “Gogo Vision becomes an extremely low cost way for airlines to offer a robust in-flight entertainment solution to its passengers that they can then stream to their own Wi-Fi enabled devices.”

The Gogo Vision platform will contain Japanese produced content as well as JAL original content.

“Adding Gogo Vision to our fleet is just another way for us to bring passengers a unique and completely refreshing onboard experience,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, JAL’s president.  “JAL passengers will be able to use the Internet to stay connected and productive and Gogo Vision will help keep them entertained.”

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.”

• 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.

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.