- Global connectivity provider enhances loyalty program with more options and flexibility
Geneva, Switzerland | May 24, 2016– EBACE (stand D051) – Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), the leading provider of in-flight connectivity and wireless in-flight entertainment solutions to the global aero market, is deepening its commitment to the European business aviation market with expanded programs and new staff announced at this week’s European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva.
Gogo today unveiled a refined customer loyalty program that makes the benefits of global inflight connectivity more accessible than ever.
Highlights of the new loyalty program include:
- Shorter Term – from five years to a three-year commitment
- Transferable Service – in case an equipped aircraft is sold
- Monthly Payment Plan – No annual up-front payment required
The Gogo loyalty program enables select, existing and former Gogo customers to receive SwiftBroadband equipment packages at no cost when they complete installation at an authorized Gogo dealer and activate a new SwiftBroadband airtime contract with Gogo. It’s an offer worth up to $92,500.
“Gogo has a longstanding reputation for creating the industry’s most generous and creative loyalty programs,” said John Wade, Gogo Business Aviation’s executive vice president and general manager. “We listened to feedback from our customer base and altered our loyalty program to make it even better with more pricing options, a shorter time commitment and transferable service. Connectivity plays such an important role in people’s lives today and we believe the enhancements we’ve made will give business travelers greater access to a fully connected, global inflight experience.”
Inflight connectivity services dramatically increase the productivity and enjoyment of the business aviation travel experience for passengers and flight crews. The services can also increase aircraft resale values and provide a competitive edge in charter and fractional markets. Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband service provides voice and data services with near-global coverage at all altitudes and on the ground.
Installation and certification costs at an authorized Gogo dealer are the responsibility of the customer.
Dave Perry Joins Gogo Staff, Based in London
Gogo continues to expand its presence in Europe and announces the hiring of Dave Perry as United Kingdom sales manager. Perry, based in London, will help customers with their inflight connectivity needs and is responsible for all sales and support activities throughout Europe. He’s well equipped to serve the European market with nearly 20 years of international sales and business development experience in satellite network services and technology firms.
This week, Gogo Business Aviation is displaying its complete range of in-flight connectivity and entertainment solutions at EBACE2016. Business aircraft operators are invited to visit Gogo at stand D051. More information is available on Gogo’s EBACE 2016 landing page and by following @GogoBizAv on Twitter for in-show updates.
· Certification obtained following extensive flight hours and rigorous tests aboard Bombardier’s Global aircraft
· Bombardier is the first business aircraft OEM to incorporate the fastest worldwide onboard connectivity solution, powered by next-generation Honeywell Aerospace and Inmarsat technology
· Passengers can now stage a videoconference, browse the Internet or stream online shows high above land and water, as seamlessly as they would on the ground
· Solidifies Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft position as the leading choice for business travel providing ultra-high-speed Internet access, consistent performance and seamless coverage across the globe
Montréal, Canada | March 21, 2016– Bombardier Business Aircraft announced today that its Bombardier WAVE (Wireless Access Virtually Everywhere) ultra-high-speed in-flight connectivity and productivity solution has been awarded a supplemental type certificate (STC) from Transport Canada (TC).
The new system, which allows business aviation passengers to browse the Internet, stream online media and stage a videoconference high above land and water as seamlessly as they would at home or in the office, is now available as an option for new Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft customers and will also be offered as an upgrade option on Global aircraft currently in service.
The certification was achieved following extensive flight hours and rigorous tests aboard Bombardier’s Global aircraft which showed that Bombardier WAVE, using Honeywell Aerospace’s JetWaveTM hardware, would stay connected to Inmarsat’s next generation Jet ConneX satellite solution at various altitudes, angles and speeds, through several different types of weather, and over land and water. The certification validates the reliability and capability of Bombardier WAVE to provide passengers with ultra-high-speed broadband access, consistent performance and seamless coverage across the globe.
Global 5000 and Global 6000 business aircraft cabins are specifically designed to provide a highly productive working environment, a key factor in making these aircraft a leading choice for corporations worldwide. Once the aircraft is equipped with this system, customers will be able to use the Bombardier WAVE service to enjoy a truly modern office environment anywhere within the coverage network. The service will allow Global aircraft customers to make the most efficient use of their time onboard.
“This is an important milestone, as Bombardier is the first business aircraft manufacturer to make ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi services available inflight globally and the first to offer performance commitments for network availability and speed,” said Paul Sislian, Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The high-quality performance of the system is the result of countless hours of dedicated teamwork between all three companies.”
“The certification of Honeywell’s JetWave hardware will enable Bombardier business jet operators to access truly global high-speed inflight Wi-Fi that they need to stay productive and entertained,” said Kristin Slyker, Vice President, Business and General Aviation, Honeywell Aerospace. “This is a game-changing moment for business aviation as passengers will now be able to consistently stay connected to fast and consistent Wi-Fi even when they are flying over water on long-haul flights.”
“Connectivity is the number one cabin service requirement in business aviation and Bombardier WAVE meets passenger expectations for reliable high-speed broadband with global coverage,” said Kurt Weidemeyer, Inmarsat Vice President Business Aviation. “Jet ConneX is a vital component in this solution, powered by our new constellation of Ka-band satellites, and we offer Committed Information Rates for the duration of each flight to ensure customers get what they are paying for, wherever they are in the world.”
Itasca, IL | January 15, 2015– Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading global aero communications service provider, announced today that it has received regulatory approval from the FCC to operate its next generation in-flight connectivity technology – 2Ku. The FCC approval clears a major hurdle in the path to launching the new service. The approval is a blanket approval from the FCC for Gogo to operate its 2Ku system on 1,000 aircraft.
“Clearing the necessary regulatory hurdles to provide this service to an aircraft flying anywhere around the globe is no small feat. Gogo has proven it is a leader at navigating these environments for all aircraft types no matter where they fly,” said Michael Small, Gogo’s president and CEO. “We are happy that the launch of 2Ku is proceeding as planned and are continuing to work with the FAA on approval for installation.”
Gogo expects the new 2Ku technology will outperform other global connectivity solutions currently available in the market. The new antenna technology is expected to deliver peak speeds to the aircraft of more than 70 Mbps.
The advantages of 2Ku are significant. The antenna is more spectrally efficient which means it will produce more bandwidth at less cost than competitive solutions. 2Ku’s performance benefits will be even more dramatic in tropical regions where other satellite solutions degrade significantly due to restrictions associated with operating at high skew angles. The antenna itself is only 4.5 inches tall and the low profile produces very little incremental drag on the aircraft.
The 2Ku antenna and its increased spectral efficiency are compatible with today’s Ku satellites and future Ku satellites, including future spot beam satellites. When future satellite technologies become available, Gogo expects peak speeds for the service in excess of 100 Mbps. Because the antenna can be used with any Ku-satellite, it also avoids the single point of failure that comes with reliance on a single satellite for connectivity in a given region, and offers airlines much desired redundancy and reliability.
Gogo expects the new service to be available for the commercial aviation market in the second half of 2015.
- Smartphone apps set for significant growth, reports SITA survey
Cancun, Mexico | November 11, 2014– Air passengers in Mexico are increasingly using smartphones and mobile technology to enhance their travel experience, according to a new survey from air transport IT specialist, SITA. The 2014 SITA/Air Transport World Passenger Survey reports that 89% of Mexican passengers carry a smartphone with them with they travel—compared to the global average of 81%—and they are looking for ways to use mobile technology throughout their journeys.
The survey, which queried approximately 1,300 passengers across the Americas region, reports that check-in via smartphone apps is poised to nearly double in Mexico over the next two to three years. Today, 31% of passengers use this technology, but 61% say they will use it more in the future.
Use of mobile boarding passes in Mexico is also set to increase significantly with 76% of passengers saying they will use them in the future, compared to 54% today. And 58% of Mexican passengers said they would use smartphones more in the future to buy airline tickets and other travel-related services, compared to a regional average of 48%.
Speaking at the Airports Council International Latin American-Caribbean Annual Assembly in Cancun, Alex Covarrubias, Vice President, Sales, SITA Latin America, said: “SITA’s survey highlights the positive influence that mobile technology is having on Mexican passengers’ travel experiences. While passengers have already begun embracing mobile apps, we expect to see significant growth in these areas in the next two to three years as passengers become more familiar with them and airline and airport apps continue to improve.”
Smartphone apps have already improved the pre-flight experience for around one-third of passengers in Mexico, reports the survey. On average 84% of smartphone users in Mexico have used airline apps and 74% have used airport apps for travel applications such as airport information and bookings. Around 75% of Mexican passengers are using smartphone apps to access real-time flight information, and 71% say they will use them more in the future, compared to an Americas average of 63%.
Smartphone apps are particularly appealing for directions and way finding, with 79% of Mexican passengers surveyed saying they would definitely use these apps in the future. Seventy-one percent said they would also definitely use their smartphones for access to boarding gates, airline lounges and other areas.
When asked about their future “wish list,” passengers in Mexico said their top two priorities for investments are inflight wireless and better real-time flight information. Around 70% of Mexican passengers mentioned inflight wireless, compared to a regional average of 58%, and 59% cited better real-time flight information, compared to the regional average of 55%.
Passengers in Mexico generally showed a strong preference toward self-service technology. Around 70% of passengers said they access websites regularly via a personal computer to view flight information. Around 93% said they had used online check-in, compared to the global average of 48%. Self-service technology at the airport was also a popular option. Thirty-four percent of passengers in Mexico said they had used self-serve check-in kiosks, with 46% saying they would definitely use them in the future. An additional 90% of Mexican passengers said they would definitely use automated boarding gates, which would allow them to board the plane by scanning their own boarding passes. This compares to a regional average of 79%.
The 9th annual SITA-ATW Passenger Survey was conducted across 15 countries worldwide with nearly 6,300 participants. The 15 countries involved in the survey represent 76% of total global passenger traffic. In the Americas region, the survey was conducted across Brazil, Mexico and the United States with approximately 1,300 passengers, 20% of whom were based in Mexico.
– New Technologies and Solutions Will Drive Strong Growth and Increase Competition
Paris, Montreal and Washington D.C. | April 4, 2013– According to Euroconsult’s newly released strategic review, Prospects for In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity, the global In-Flight Connectivity market is expected to grow over the next 10 years, with over 12,000 commercial and 16,000 business airplanes to provide in-flight connectivity to passengers by 2022. With a take-up rate of less than 5%, in-flight connectivity services generated less than $300 million in revenue from airline passengers last year. The market is expected to grow to $1.3 billion by 2022.
“The number of connected commercial aircraft has dramatically increased since 2010,” said Wei Li, Senior Consultant at Euroconsult and Editor-in-Chief of the strategic review. “Currently 56 airlines in the world provide passenger in-flight connectivity services via satellite or ATG networks. Most of the installations are from U.S.-based airlines such as United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines; however, many airlines based in emerging markets are also starting to invest seriously in the sector. The majority of airlines with in-flight connectivity services can be found in Asia-Pacific alone.”
AERONAUTICAL COMMUNICATIONS AND NEW GENERATION IFE SOLUTIONS INCREASING MARKET COMPETITION
The traditional In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) market is highly consolidated, dominated by two companies—Panasonic Avionics and Thales. Several newcomers with specialized IFE solutions, such as Zodiac Aerospace, LiveTV and Lumexis, have gained market share globally. In particular, the in-flight connectivity segment has recently proved its dynamism for growth as a number of players such as Row44, OnAir, AeroMobile and Gogo are quickly developing their business across the globe.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND SOLUTIONS DRIVING GROWTH
On a larger scope, the IFE market is growing rapidly alongside in-flight connectivity. Over the past few years, several breakthrough technologies such as tablets, seat-centric systems, and wireless IFE have entered the market, transforming the in-flight passenger experience. Airlines are benefiting from new solutions which increase passenger satisfaction, reduce costs and provide more ancillary revenue opportunities despite some challenges, such as copyright management and telecommunications regulations over certain territories.
“The expected takeoff of in-flight connectivity will lead to a fast growing usage of satellite communications in the aeronautical sector,” said Wei Li. “The planned launch of new generation High Throughput Satellite (HTS) systems , such as Inmarsat Global Xpress and Intelsat Epic on a global level, and KA-SAT (from Eutelsat) and ViaSat on a regional level will certainly provide expanded capabilities compared to traditional satellites.“
Besides the mature L-band and ATG networks, Ku and Ka-band satellite systems are increasingly being adopted by airlines. Capacity requirements from in-flight passenger traffic is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~42% over the next ten years, carrying close to 30 Gbps of traffic over commercial Ku and Ka-band satellites by 2022. About one third of the traffic is expected to be over oceanic regions.
London, UK | March 27, 2013– Inmarsat hosted the APEX Technical Workshop day (27 March) on connectivity at its London headquarters. The event attracted some 120 delegates from airlines and companies involved in the ‘passenger experience’ industry.
The agenda included a range of topics on passenger connectivity and operational communications. In the light of the current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) review, one of the day’s panel discussions covered the topical issue of the in-flight use of consumer devices.
Michele Franci, VP Commercial, GX program, participated in the roundtable entitled ‘How much bandwidth is enough? ’. “The question of bandwidth availability is probably the most discussed topic at the moment, and Inmarsat is in a very good position to address both current and future needs through SwiftBroadband and our upcoming GX Aviation services.” said Michele Franci.
The keynote presentation – “It is rocket science” – was made by David Schoen, VP of Product and Services, Inmarsat, and delegates were treated to a rare glimpse of how Inmarsat operates its constellation of geostationary satellites through a tour of Inmarsat’s Network Operations Centre.
“It is fascinating to see what goes on behind the scenes when flying satellites and operating a global mobile communications network”, said Schoen VP of Products and Services. “The event has given us the opportunity to show airlines and other key organisations exactly what is required to provide the world’s most reliable satellite communication services.”
Itasca, IL | January 11, 2013– Gogo, a global leader of in-flight connectivity and a pioneer in wireless in-flight digital entertainment solutions, announced today that it will install two in-flight connectivity solutions on American Airlines’ new Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 deliveries: Ku-band satellite and Gogo’s next generation Air to Ground technology – ATG-4.
The dual systems will enable the aircraft to provide seamless in-flight internet service on domestic and international flights. Installations will occur as the new aircraft are delivered to American beginning in 2013.
“Installing the two systems helps ensure these aircraft will stay connected wherever they fly, whether they’re flying domestically or headed to an international destination” said Gogo’s president and CEO, Michael Small. “Gogo’s ability to deploy multiple connectivity solutions gives us the flexibility to install the right technology for each individual aircraft regardless of its mission. American’s decision to use both solutions is further acknowledgment of the significant advantages of the dual system for an enhanced customer experience.”
In addition to American’s new A320 family and Boeing 737 aircraft, Gogo was previously selected to outfit existing MD-80 and Boeing 737, 757 and 767 aircraft in American’s domestic fleet. Gogo service is currently available on more than 400 American aircraft.
– Already operating business aviation’s largest fleet of connected aircraft, NetJets adding Aircell’s Gogo Biz Service to nearly 100 additional aircraft
Broomfield, CO | August 29, 2012– Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, announces that NetJets® is adding in-flight Internet service from Aircell to nearly 100 additional aircraft in its fleet.
In 2010, NetJets made history when it elected to offer in-flight Internet service aboard more than 250 aircraft – representing what Aircell believes to be business aviation’s largest-ever in-flight connectivity order. Today’s announcement for 100 additional systems will expand NetJets’ connected fleet by approximately 40%.
With the service, NetJets passengers and flight crews can 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.
“For both business and pleasure, our Owners value the ability to stay connected while they travel,” said Chuck Suma, NetJets’ Senior Vice President, Aircraft Management. “Connectivity is an integral part of our Owner experience, and the decision to expand was driven by the needs of Owners of our fractional share and card products.”
John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “NetJets’ decision to expand what is already business aviation’s largest fleet of connected aircraft speaks directly to the increasingly important role connectivity plays in the life of today’s traveler. We’re pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with NetJets on this important program.”
The installation process is already underway at Duncan Aviation, and the entire retrofit program is expected to be completed by mid-2014.