In-flight connectivity specialist Gogo Business Aviation has started to roll out its airtime and support programs for the Jet Connex Ka-band service over the Inmarsat Global Xpress satellite network, in cooperation with its Jet Connex distribution partner Honeywell. Jet Connex expands a wide portfolio of in-flight voice data services that Gogo can offer, including Gogo Biz, SwiftBroadband, Classic Aero, Swift64, Iridium terrestrial 3G and Gogo Cloud. As its portfolio grows, U.S.-based Gogo is expanding its programs and staff for the European market.
By folding the new service into a suite of network and in-flight entertainment offerings, Gogo (Booth D051) is providing capabilities that include real-time television, high-speed broadband internet access, video calling and conference, voice over IP, large file transfers and VPN access, along with flight deck and crew applications.
To coincide with the roll-out of the new capabilities, Gogo is unveiling here at EBACE a refined customer loyalty program that includes a shorter-term commitment (reduced from five to three years), transferrable service (in case the aircraft is sold) and a monthly service plan option. Under the loyalty program, existing Gogo customers can receive equipment for Inmarsat SwiftBroadband at no cost when installed by an authorized dealer and assuming they activate a new SwiftBroadband airtime contract. Customers will be responsible for installation and certification costs.
Gogo has planned a range of performance tiers and data packages for Jet Connex-equipped aircraft and will provide single-source activation, support and consolidated monthly billing for the services. “Our back-office systems are in place and our team is prepared to support customers worldwide as the service comes on line,” said John Wade, Gogo Business Aviation executive v-p and general manager.
To accommodate the growing customer base in Europe, Gogo also named Dave Perry as U.K. sales manager. Perry brings 20 years of satellite network service international sales and business development experience to his new role.
Inmarsat has launched three satellites and is preparing to launch a fourth later this year to provide seamless global Global Xpress coverage and enabling speeds of up to 33 Mbps.
Meanwhile Gogo is expanding its Gogo Cloud wireless content delivery network into Europe. The service currently is available at the Jetex FBO at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. Two more locations will be added this summer with additional locations planned for 2017.
Gogo Cloud is designed to enable the automatic delivery of large data files for in-flight entertainment. Customers of Gogo Vision, the company’s in-flight entertainment service, can automatic receive updates when they visit a Gogo Cloud location.
