AirX, a European private jet operator, is upgrading inflight connectivity across its Bombardier Challenger 850 fleet with the installation of Gogo Plane Simple Ku-band terminals. Two aircraft have been fitted and are now operational – the first phase of a full fleet upgrade.
The initial installation was managed by Alamo Engineering at AirX’s London Stansted facility. The work resulted in the issuance of a new EASA STC for the Challenger 850 type.
Gogo created a customised service plan to support AirX’s specific requests. The tailored bundle includes a Pay-As-You-Go airtime arrangement for broadband connectivity, and Sky Ticket Credit Card (STCC) technology, which allows the operator to offer on-demand connectivity. A dedicated management portal enables the operator to control, manage and access customer connectivity usage to ensure high-speed wi-fi on board.
Following installation on the first two aircraft, Gogo conducted its Entry-into-Service (EIS) process at AirX’s UK facility, supplemented by system training for the AirX team based in Malta. The service plan also includes 24/7/365 customer support to ensure optimal performance and troubleshooting if necessary.
“Demand for our charter services is continuing to grow, with each aircraft currently undertaking, on average, 900 hours of flight per year,” said Houssam Hazzoury, AirX Group CEO. “Limiting downtime is a key consideration, which is why this upgrade programme is underway. The simplicity of the Gogo antenna series means we can add reliable, consistent global connectivity with minimal downtime. The streamlined upgrade path and the fact we can make one call to Gogo for end-to-end connectivity management and support were key decisions in our selection process.”
AirX’s client base includes global brands, major corporations, government officials, and heads of state.
“AirX has a reputation for delivering uncompromising, high-quality standards to its clients, and we are proud to support their needs with our purpose-built for business aviation terminals,” said Dave Falberg, Gogo’s SVP of EMEA-APAC. “The Gogo Plane Simple Ku-band antenna, in conjunction with the dedicated airtime provided by the SES FlexExec network, ensures AirX clients can remain productive, relax and enjoy entertainment wherever they fly. Our ecosystem has been defined and developed to deliver tailored solutions for mixed, large fleet operators conducting international missions, and we look forward to adding more of our antennas to the AirX fleet to enhance their passenger connectivity experience.”
