Fully branded and now with multiple antenna options, Gogo is starting the certification process for its Galileo LEO inflight internet service, running on the OneWeb constellation. The company chose the Bombardier Challenger 300 series of aircraft as the first platform on which to develop the hardware and installation process.
The Bombardier Challenger 300 is one of the most popular super midsize jets on the market, making it a perfect candidate for our Gogo Galileo HDX system. Pursuing the STC for parts manufacture approval (PMA) is a critical step as we ready for commercial launch next year. – Sergio Aguirre, Gogo’s president and chief operating officer
Gogo will leverage the expertise of long-time partner Duncan Aviation, for engineering and certification services related to the STC. Ultimately, this work will facilitate the certification of the hardware for other aircraft types as well.
“The anticipation for Gogo Galileo remains high among business jet operators, so we are pleased to support Gogo’s efforts to secure this STC,” said Mike Minchow, Duncan Aviation’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Our team of engineers and certification experts have the skill and know-how to help bring this revolutionary inflight connectivity to installation readiness.”
Choosing the Challenger 300
Gogo’s selection of the Challenger 300 series is motivated both by they types large operating base, and also Gogo’s large installed connectivity base of those aircraft. The company reports that 595 of the nearly 900 Challenger 300 Series (300, 350, 3500 models) aircraft in service today carry Gogo’s air-to-ground hardware on board. Half of those have the AVANCE system, providing a smoother upgrade path to include the Galileo HDX antenna on board.
Gogo is not the only company excited about the potential of connectivity on the Challenger 300 series. Indeed, starting later this year Bombardier will make in-flight connectivity a standard offering on the Challenger 3500.
That’s a lower bandwidth solution, delivered through the Iridium NEXT constellation. Will customers choose the lower bandwidth option rather than a broadband solution, especially as the kit will be built in to the plane at the factory going forward? Or does this become a scenario where having basic connectivity drives interest in the faster solution for the cabin, leaving the default connection for the flight deck?
More news from EBACE 2023
- Inmarsat boosts SwiftJet distribution with Collins Aerospace deal
- Inmarsat boosts speeds with updated Jet ConneX plans
- Gogo Galileo branding launched for LEO services
- Collins Aerospace launches BizAv cabin connectivity on Iridium Certus
- Gogo picks Challenger 300 for Galileo certification pilot
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