Gogo Business Aviation | Satcom Direct has announced the finalising of a multifaceted memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus. The MoU confirms the two organisations’ aim to leverage the full potential of the Gogo air-to-ground (ATG), FlightDeck Freedom and Gogo Galileo satellite connectivity solutions to deliver low-latency, high-speed broadband internet to Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) operators.
The joint commitment, once firmed up, will allow Airbus’ ACJ Connect Link customers to select ATG and Gogo Galileo Half Duplex (HDX) and Full Duplex (FDX) terminals provided as retrofit options on all ACJ types. In addition, it will include the full suite of Gogo|SD added-value services, including cybersecurity services, crew training and 24/7/365 customer support.
Powered by the Eutelsat OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation, Gogo will supply ACJ operators with its next-gen phased array antennas to integrate into Airbus’ ACJ Connect Link solution. The setup is designed to offer a small form factor and fewer components, to minimise the downtime required to equip the airframe. The equipment enables access to cabin connectivity, flight deck services and IFE.
“We are very pleased to enter into this MoU agreement with Gogo, especially as we aim to offer our Airbus ACJ operators and business leaders the highest standard connectivity solutions and customer support,” said Chadi Saade, president of Airbus Corporate Jets. “This will allow them to be in the right place at the right time, connected and ready to act. Moreover, we are confident that Gogo presents a compelling solution with its cutting-edge technology, backed by a global customer support team of industry experts.”
Airbus will collaborate with its qualified partners to certify the terminal integration and generate the required Supplemental Type Certificates for the HDX, FDX and ATG equipment installations. Once the solution is approved and following the firm contract signature, Airbus will lead the marketing and sales activities.
The Gogo Galileo and Airbus’ ACJ Connect Link solution will enable operators, passengers and crew to access applications including voice, internet, email services, video conferencing, gaming, and live movie and TV streaming from boarding to deplaning globally.
“With the Gogo Galileo solution, Airbus ACJ operators have immediate access to global, low latency broadband service to support full connectivity capability and redundancy,” said Chris Moore, CEO of Gogo. “Passengers will be able to emulate their digital life on the ground in the air. As these aircraft frequently travel the globe, the operators need to know they can deliver reliable, consistent connectivity at all times, and we are committed to ensuring that we deliver best-in-class connectivity to Airbus ACJ customers. This is a major milestone in the Gogo connectivity journey, and we’re proud to work with Airbus to elevate and enrich its connectivity offering.”
