SmartSky announced a new distribution partner for its in-flight connectivity services. Honeywell will add the business aviation distribution option to its existing portfolio of IFC offerings.
air-to-ground
Gogo hits 5G installation milestone
The next generation of Gogo’s air-to-ground in-flight connectivity network is taking shape. The company announced a number of development milestones this week, including installation of the first ground tower infrastructure and test flights.
SmartSky activates test corridor, moves towards nation-wide deployment
With the “completion of all technical milestones and the opening of the first fully operational coverage zone,” the SmartSky in-flight connectivity network is beginning to come online. Route-based flight demonstrations can be performed, marking a major pivot point as it moves towards certification and commercial launch.
Safran boosts SkyFive, leads Series A funding
Air-to-ground connectivity company SkyFive bolstered its bank account this week, closing a Series A funding round. The round was led by Safran Corporate Ventures. Also participating in the round was STAR Capital, a European private equity fund manager with a track record of developing emerging infrastructure businesses.
Gogo boosts unlimited streaming subscription option
Unlimited monthly data on board is now available on Gogo’s Biz 4G air-to-ground network. The option is one of three new pricing plans added to the company’s portfolio as it continues to see increased demand for higher bandwidth use cases, including streaming video services, from its business jet customers.
Jet Edge upgrades to Gogo Business Aviation Streaming Wi-Fi
Business jet operator Jet Edge plans to outfit its full fleet of super-mid Challenger and large Cabin Gulfstream aircraft with the Gogo Business Aviation AVANCE L5 offering. In addition to the upgraded on-board hardware the solution will support streaming video solutions for passengers.
Next Gen ATG 5G moves forward in China
Getting a 5G air-to-ground network into service in the USA is a tough task, with schedules continuing to slip and questions about the hardware involved. But in China the new services are expected to launch soon, and expand quickly. Powered by Chinese manufacturer ZTE, a new network could be online in a matter of months.
Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network wins big in ECJ ruling
After years of escalating appeals and conflicting decisions the European Court of Justice handed down the ultimate decision today: Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network (EAN) is legal.
Technology and Towers: SmartSky’s new CTO and the transition to operations
Getting a new ATG network into service was never going to be easy. Can new CTO David Classen push SmartSky across the finish line, addressing the tower technical challenges along the way?
A SmartSky Senior Shuffle
The Ides of March proved challenging in the upper ranks of SmartSky’s leadership. At least two members of the company’s senior leadership team appear to be affected by the changes.