Gogo Secures FCC Regulatory Approval for Gogo Galileo Terminals

Rhea-AI Summary

Gogo Business Aviation (GOGO) receives FCC approval for Gogo Galileo HDX and FDX antenna terminals, paving the way for commercial launch later this year. The ESIM license allows Gogo to operate the terminals on US-registered aircraft and those in U.S. territory. Flight testing of HDX terminal to commence this summer on Gogo's Challenger 300 testbed.

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Telecommunications Analyst

The FCC's approval of Gogo Business Aviation's antenna terminals is a significant development for the company, as it clears a major regulatory hurdle. This enables Gogo to commercialize their Galileo HDX and FDX antenna terminals, which are designed to enhance connectivity for business aircraft. The ESIM license is a key component in the deployment of satellite-based broadband services, as it allows the operation of satellite earth stations on mobile platforms, such as aircraft.

From a telecommunication perspective, the entry of Gogo's Galileo service into the market could disrupt the current dynamics within the in-flight connectivity sector. With the increasing demand for high-speed internet on business flights, Gogo's LEO-based service is poised to offer potentially faster speeds and lower latencies compared to traditional geostationary satellite systems. As a result, Gogo could capture a significant market share if the service meets industry expectations.

Aviation Industry Analyst

The aviation industry is continuously seeking ways to improve the passenger experience and connectivity is a critical aspect. Gogo's anticipated commercial launch of their Galileo service aligns with the industry's trend towards offering high-quality in-flight broadband. The approval from the FCC not only positions Gogo to expand within the U.S. market but also sets a precedent for additional authorizations internationally.

Business aviation customers are particularly sensitive to connectivity quality, as in-flight time is often used for productivity. Thus, the successful deployment and operation of Gogo's terminals could enhance the company's reputation and lead to increased demand for their services. However, the success of the launch and long-term adoption will depend on factors such as reliability, cost and the competitive responses from other in-flight connectivity providers.

Market Research Analyst

The timing of Gogo's commercial launch is noteworthy, considering the broader economic context and the post-pandemic recovery of business travel. As companies resume regular travel, the demand for in-flight connectivity solutions is expected to rise. Gogo's positioning in the market, just as business travel is picking up, could be advantageous. It is important to monitor the adoption rate post-launch, as it will provide insights into the market's reception of the technology and Gogo's ability to meet consumer expectations.

Investors should observe Gogo's performance metrics following the commercial rollout, such as customer acquisition and retention rates, as well as any strategic partnerships that could influence market penetration. Additionally, the impact on Gogo's financials, specifically revenue growth and capital expenditures related to the service's deployment, will be critical to assess the commercial success of the Galileo service.

Remains on Track for Expected Commercial Launch Later This Year

BROOMFIELD, Colo., April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gogo Business Aviation (NASDAQ: GOGO) today announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted regulatory approval for the Gogo Galileo HDX and FDX antenna terminals for business aircraft.

The FCC Earth station in motion (ESIM) regulatory license grants Gogo the authority to commercialize and operate the terminals, which are integral to its Gogo Galileo low Earth orbit (LEO) global broadband service, on US-registered aircraft, and those registered in other countries within U.S. territory including territorial waters.^* 

"Receiving the ESIM license for the HDX and FDX terminals represents an important milestone in bringing the Gogo Galileo service to market by year end," said, Crystal Gordon, executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Gogo. "This regulatory milestone also paves the way for additional regulatory authorizations in other countries."

Gogo expects to begin flight testing the HDX terminal this summer after it is installed on Gogo's Challenger 300 testbed. The HDX terminal remains on track to receive certification and commercially launch later this year. Track important milestones in the development of Gogo Galileo with Gogo's milestone tracker. 

About Gogo 
Gogo is the world's largest provider of broadband connectivity services for the business aviation market. We offer a customizable suite of smart cabin systems for highly integrated connectivity, in-flight entertainment, and voice solutions. Gogo's products and services are installed on thousands of business aircraft of all sizes and mission types from turboprops to the largest global jets, and are utilized by the largest fractional ownership operators, charter operators, corporate flight departments and individuals.

As of December 31, 2023, Gogo reported 7,205 business aircraft flying with its broadband ATG systems onboard, 3,976 of which are flying with a Gogo AVANCE L5 or L3 system; and 4,341 aircraft with narrowband satellite connectivity installed. Connect with us at www.gogoair.com.

^* Subject to additional regulatory approvals.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

Certain disclosures in this press release include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding our business outlook, industry, business strategy, plans, goals and expectations concerning our market position, international expansion, future technologies, future operations, margins, profitability, future efficiencies, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources, and other financial and operating information. When used in this discussion, the words "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "budget," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "future" and the negative of these or similar terms and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking statements in this press release.

Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations regarding future events, results or outcomes, including the launch of Gogo Galileo LEO global broadband service ("Global Broadband"). These expectations may or may not be realized. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give you no assurance these expectations will prove to have been correct. Some of these expectations may be based upon assumptions, data or judgments that prove to be incorrect. Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from our expectations due to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these risks and factors, they include, among others, our ability to develop and deploy Global Broadband; our ability to deliver the expected performance capabilities of any new technology, including, without limitation, Global Broadband; and other events beyond our control that may result in unexpected adverse operating results.

Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found under the caption "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2024 and in subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC.

Any one of these factors or a combination of these factors could materially affect our financial condition or future results of operations and could influence whether any forward-looking statements contained in this report ultimately prove to be accurate. Our forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and you should not place undue reliance on them. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Relations Contact:	Investor Relations Contact:
Caroline Bosco	William Davis
+1 312-517-6127	+1 917-519-6994
cbosco@gogoair.com	wdavis@gogoair.com

 

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SOURCE Gogo Business Aviation

What regulatory approval did Gogo Business Aviation receive?

Gogo Business Aviation received regulatory approval from the FCC for the Gogo Galileo HDX and FDX antenna terminals.

What does the FCC Earth station in motion (ESIM) license grant Gogo?

The ESIM license grants Gogo the authority to commercialize and operate the terminals on US-registered aircraft and those in U.S. territory.

When is Gogo Business Aviation expected to begin flight testing the HDX terminal?

Gogo Business Aviation expects to begin flight testing the HDX terminal this summer.

What milestone does the regulatory approval represent for Gogo Business Aviation?

The regulatory approval represents an important milestone in bringing the Gogo Galileo service to market by year end.

Which aircraft will the HDX terminal be installed on for testing?

The HDX terminal will be installed on Gogo's Challenger 300 testbed for testing.