Business jet management company Jet Edge International has signed an agreement with Gogo Business Aviation to launch Gogo’s 5G inflight connectivity service, the companies announced Oct. 13 during the NBAA-BACE conference.
Jet Edge, based in Columbus, Ohio, has installed Gogo’s Avance L5 4G air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity system across the majority of its managed, large-cabin business jets and will upgrade 50 of those aircraft to Gogo 5G over a 24-month period, the companies said. Jet Edge reports managing 74 jets through its AdvantEdge charter program.
“Choosing Gogo was an easy decision because of their proven track record of meeting their commitments and delivering the best inflight connectivity in the industry,” said Jet Edge CEO Bill Papariella. “After a thorough evaluation of other inflight connectivity services, we chose Gogo 5G. It was the obvious choice and we’re thrilled to offer it to our discerning clients.”
In May 2019, Broomfield, Colorado-based Gogo announced its intent to build a nationwide 5G network for aviation, originally targeting its entry into service date for this year. Plans called for building the 5G system on the company’s existing ground infrastructure of 250 towers, using unlicensed spectrum in the 2.4-GHz range to connect with aircraft.
Gogo reports that it has finished work on a first cellular site in Nebraska and plans to complete 10 sites by year-end. Onboard equipment, which includes new belly-mounted antennas (two per aircraft) and X3 line replaceable units, is undergoing certification approval. Gogo now expects to offer 5G connectivity for aircraft operating in the contiguous U.S. in the second half of 2022. Future plans call for expanding coverage to Canada and Alaska.
There are currently more than 2,000 business aircraft flying with Gogo's Avance L5 or L3 system installed. As of June 30, Gogo reported 6,036 aircraft flying with its ATG systems onboard, and 4,587 aircraft with Ku-band satellite communications.
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