Aircraft owner/operators are lining up to take advantage of the upgraded Gogo 5G network, slated to launch in 2022. Jet Edge announced this week it will upgrade 50 of its large-cabin business jets to the new platform as the launch customer for the solution.
Choosing Gogo was an easy decision because of their proven track record of meeting their commitments and delivering the best inflight connectivity in the industry. After a thorough evaluation of other inflight connectivity services, we chose Gogo 5G – it was the obvious choice and we’re thrilled to offer it to our discerning clients.
– Bill Papariella, CEO of Jet Edge
Jet Edge currently flies the AVANCE L5 kit on the majority of its managed, large-cabin fleet. Some 50 of those aircraft are slated to upgrade to Gogo 5G over a 24-month period.
The move highlights the ease of conversion from AVANCE L5 to Gogo 5G, something Gogo CEO Oakleigh Thorne has pushed aggressively in earnings calls over the past year. The upgrade uses the same antenna mount points and only minor changes in the avionics bay footprint.
Read More: Gogo sees strong growth, 5G network remains on track
Deployment of the 5G network has begun and the onboard hardware is in certification approval. Gogo 5G will serve aircraft operating within the contiguous United States and the nationwide network is expected to launch in the second half of 2022.
“We have a long-standing relationship with Jet Edge and by upgrading to Gogo 5G, it shows the commitment Jet Edge is making to its clients to provide the best inflight connectivity and entertainment experience in business aviation,” said Andy Geist, senior vice president of business development for Gogo. “With AVANCE L5 installed across most of its fleet, upgrading to 5G becomes a relatively quick and easy process.”
The large fleet conversion deal also draws attention to some of the challenges Gogo competitor SmartSky faces as it formally launches commercial service this week at the NBAA conference in Las Vegas.
Read More: Gogo hits 5G installation milestone
SmartSky CEO David Helfgott previously suggested there is plenty of room to grow into the market without touching any existing of the Gogo install base. Still, the SmartSky news came without any specific customer deals.
And, despite a few previously announced wins, coming into a competitive space on the biggest stage and not having that in hand doesn’t deliver the best optics.
More BizAv news from NBAA 2021
- Viasat Select goes direct for BizAv wifi
- SmartSky goes live!
- Jet ConneX hits 1,000 installs for Inmarsat
- Gogo announces Jet Edge as 5G launch customer
- IFC Trash Talking
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