MUMBAI: Gogo, a leader in in-flight connectivity, has signed major capacity deal with global satellite operator SES to deliver Gogo broadband services aboard commercial airliners.
Coverage includes commercial aircraft flying over the North Atlantic Ocean Region, Europe and the United States.
As part of the long-term deal covering more than six transponders of Ku-band capacity, three SES satellites will enable Gogo to expand its broadband offering in the sky to aircraft flying busy transatlantic routes.
The SES-1 spacecraft will cover the continental US, while NSS-703 and its three powerful spot beams will reach across the North Atlantic and SES-4 will serve Europe.
Gogo services aboard the NSS-703 satellite and will be transitioned seamlessly by mid 2014 to the new SES-6 satellite, slated for launch next year.
Gogo has also contracted for teleport services delivered through three SES facilities in the U.S. and Europe. Two-way internet access will be delivered to Gogo customers via SES ground facilities in Woodbine, Maryland; Manassas, Virginia and Betzdorf, Luxembourg.
“Gogo is entering the all-important international air travel market and expanding our North American offering with SES,” said Gogo President and CEO Michael Small. “A trio of SES satellites will enable Gogo to provide reliable and seamless satellite coverage for our current airline partners on their international fleets,” he added.
Gogo is set to initiate its international internet services on Delta Air Lines in the first quarter of 2013.