Gogo’s upcoming 5G ATG network will require partnerships for a successful buildout. Today at NBAA in Las Vegas the inflight connectivity company announced three companies that will play key roles in developing the technology used by the service. Cisco, Airspan Networks, and FIRST RF Corp. each will provide necessary elements to Gogo’s 5G solution for aviation.
ATG
Gogo secures AVANCE L5 certification for Embraer Phenom 300 Business Jets
The most delivered light business jet for the past seven years has a new option for inflight wifi connectivity. Embraer and Gogo announced approval from the FAA for a Supplemental Type Certification (STC) allowing the installation of the AVANCE L5 solution as a retrofit option. With more than 500 aircraft delivered over the past decade this represents a strong opportunity for the vendor to secure additional subscribers in its business aviation segment.
United’s new CRJ550 seats on sale this weekend
Go big or go home! United Airlines is launching its newly configured CRJ550 type on 15(!!) routes at the end of the month, with tickets on sale this weekend.
Inflight WiFi for JSX slips to 2020
When JSX (formerly JetSuiteX) CEO Alex Wilcox took the stage at APEX EXPO last week in Los Angeles and proclaimed his optimism about the carrier’s upcoming inflight wifi service it was not much of a surprise. That the service will not be live until Q1 2020 was a bit of a surprise, however, as the original announcement expected the offering online before the end of this year.
PaxEx Update: World Aviation Festival 2019
So much happening at the World Aviation Festival this year but a few bits stood out above the rest for direct impact on passengers. Here are a few of the highlights from Air Canada, TAP Portugal, EasyJet and more.
SkyFive targets ATG network expansion on a global scale
Riding high on the launch of the European Aviation Network earlier this year, plans are afoot to expand the air-to-ground (ATG) inflight connectivity coverage footprint. Leading that charge is a company few have heard of, in large part because it did not exist until earlier this year. SkyFive, spun off from Nokia's core business, is now running projects in at least three other markets, with one network online for testing today. CEO Thorsten Robrecht spoke with PaxEx.Aero on the sidelines of the World Aviation Festival in London this week, keen to celebrate the early accomplishments with EAN, but also to highlight significant future potential for the technology on a global scale.
Gogo closes on $30mm line of credit
Inflight connectivity provider Gogo announced the closing on its previously announced $30 million revolving line of credit today. The move increases the company’s liquidity to approximately $100 million and does so without adverse impact to the stake of its current shareholders.
SmartSky’s commercial installations begin
SmartSky’s push towards launching its air-to-ground inflight connectivity solution took a significant step forward earlier this month. The first commercial aircraft to carry the company’s kit is currently in the shop getting the system installed.
French court rules, refers on EAN licenses
Eutelsat and Inmarsat are both claiming victories this afternoon in France as the Conseil d’Etat, the country's high court, issued a ruling regarding the issuance of licenses for the European Aviation Network (EAN) inflight wifi connectivity solution. It is the latest in the ongoing legal saga over the "complimentary ground component" of the network.
SmartSky boosts sales channel with Honeywell Aerospace VAR deal
As the network buildout enters the home stretch SmartSky’s sales efforts continue apace. Honeywell Aerospace signed on as a value-added reseller for the SmartSky air-to-ground inflight connectivity solution this week.








