Boeing has agreed to evaluate Gogo’s in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions with a view to potentially offering them as line-fit options on new-build aircraft.
The technical services agreement marks a “crucial step” for Gogo towards being able to offer its solutions to customers through the airframer’s catalogue.
Gogo aims to complete line-fit evaluations for its ATG-4 (air-to-ground) connectivity service in 2015, with its satellite-based offering set to follow in 2016.
“As Gogo continues to retrofit aircraft with its various connectivity solutions, it’s crucial to work towards line-fit of these solutions for all new orders, so each aircraft comes off the line with Gogo connectivity already installed and ready for service from day one,” says Gogo chief executive Michael Small.
Gogo also has an agreement with Boeing to find ways of improving the retrofit process for ATG-4 on current-generation 737s.
“By taking care of some of the aircraft modification needs at the manufacturing level, this provisioning agreement will make the installation process much smoother after an airline takes delivery of the new aircraft,” says Small.
Separately, Air Canada has signed a deal with Gogo to equip its short-haul fleet with air-to-ground wi-wi connectivity. Installations will begin in May and the target is for 130 aircraft to be wi-fi-equipped by December 2015. This will include Airbus A320-family narrowbodies, Embraer 190s and 175s, and Bombardier CRJ700s.
Air Canada has also agreed to test Gogo’s satellite-based connectivity solutions for potential installation on its widebody fleet. It will evaluate Gogo’s 2KU service and Inmarsat’s Ka-band Global Xpress offering, with trials set for 2015.
Source: Flight Daily News
