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.
ATG
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.
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.
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.
Gogo slips 5G to 2022, sees smooth upgrade path
Officially slipping the Gogo 5G network into 2022 from this year is not great news, but Gogo’s overall finances emerged from 2020 stronger than expected and the next 5 years should complete the transformation.
SmartSky secures additional funding, sets Summer launch plans
SmartSky announced a new timeline for network deployment, plus some additional cash to help it get there.
Counterclaims and Arbitration: WSS and SmartSky continue legal wrangling
The legal battle between SmartSky and supplier WSS continues unabated. And some of the assertions in the counterclaim are spectacularly juicy.
Executive shuffle atop Gogo
Gogo President and CEO Oakleigh Thorne will fill another leadership role at the company starting Friday. He takes over as Chairman of the Board of Directors as Ronald LeMay retires at the end of the year.