Gogo, the new brand representing the combined heritage and strengths of Gogo Business Aviation and Satcom Direct, offers a complete range of antenna hardware, software and connectivity options supported by best-in-class satellite networks powered by Viasat, Intelsat and Eutelsat Oneweb. The connectivity plans are supported by added value from a diverse portfolio of applications to connect every customer beyond expectations. This is backed by 24/7/365 customer service from expert humans equipped to resolve issues in real time, at any time, in multiple languages.

The Gogo hardware portfolio has been purpose-built to support the very particular requirements of business aviation. The Gogo Galileo HDX half-duplex and FDX full-duplex antennas optimize its diminutive form factor, to ensure compatibility with even the smallest business jet and turboprop aircraft fuselage. This brings high-speed broadband satellite capability to airframes of all sizes, from Embraer Phenom and Pilatus PC-12-size up to large-cabin, long-range airframes.

A full-duplex electronically steered antenna (ESA) is also undergoing development with Gilat. Better suited to larger government and VVIP aircraft, like HDX and FDX it connects to the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO constellation to deliver consistent critical connectivity even in the most remote and rugged environments.

The fuselage-mounted flat panel suite is complemented by the Gogo Plane Simple terminals which with just an antenna, cable and router/modem that sits in the unpressurized part of the fuselage, provides streamlined connectivity services compatible with Ka-band and Ku-band GEO constellations. More than 200 of the Plane Simple Ku-band terminals have been delivered, and STCs continue to be added across the antenna portfolio.

Gogo’s ATG customers are already familiar with the benefits of the software-driven AVANCE ‘box’, used to deliver ATG connection in aircraft operating over the contiguous North American region. Connection to the new, improved 5G ATG service requires a simple upgrade to AVANCE LX5, which has an identical footprint to the earlier AVANCE L3 and L5 boxes, avoiding costly aircraft modifications. Recent 4G installs include a multiband antenna ready for 5G, and although earlier fits will require a 5G-compatible unit, the footprint is similar, and no major modification is required, making it a simple upgrade for those wanting to optimize the next-generation connectivity. And it’s just as simple to equip an HDX or FDX antenna.  Minimal cabling is required to connect an AVANCE LX5-equipped aircraft to the Gogo Galileo solution.

The manifold advantages of multi-orbit, multi-band connectivity include resilience in an era where always-on connectivity is critical for passengers, crew, and aircraft systems. A Plane Simple tail mount system combined with Gogo Galileo, for example, provides resilience across GEO and LEO, Ka-band and Ku-band,  ensuring uninterrupted global connectivity at all times.

The multiple options also enable optimized connectivity for cabin zones or individual users; the principal might enjoy a dedicated high-speed Ka-band connection, while other passengers connect via Ku-band. Alternatively, the principal or primary guests might receive the connectivity best suited to their activity.

As a customer-centric business Gogo is focused on delivering an optimized user experience, by recommending the best connection option for each client mission. High bandwidth activities – streaming movie content, for example – are most suited to Ka-band, while activities requiring low latency for faster response times, including video calling and gaming, are best accomplished over a LEO Ku-band network, like Gogo Galileo. An aircraft equipped with both systems literally delivers the best of both worlds.

Multi-orbit, multi-band connectivity is also a consistent enabler of optimized connection depending on location and cost. A jet primarily operating over North America might be well served by Gogo ATG, but the only options for connectivity on longer international flights have traditionally been Ku-band or Ka-band connections. Now, Gogo Galileo offers a LEO option, through the simple addition of an antenna; achieving global satellite connectivity for aircraft already equipped with the AVANCE LX5 box is then simply a case of plugging in a cable.

The true test of inflight connectivity is whether it consistently satisfies passenger, crew and aircraft connection requirements. The only way to achieve that, wherever an aircraft operates, is through multi-orbit, multi-band connectivity, which delivers customers an unparalleled connectivity experience from a single resource, Gogo.