SD Government announces Federal Aviation Administration STC approval for Gogo Galileo HDX installation on the Pilatus PC-12
Rhea-AI Summary
Gogo (NASDAQ:GOGO) announced that SD Government, in partnership with Pilatus and Pro Star Aviation, received FAA STC approval to install the Gogo Galileo HDX connectivity system on Pilatus PC-12 turboprops, including special mission variants.
The STC enables global, low-latency LEO satellite connectivity for government, defense, special mission, private and business PC-12 operators, and supports both retrofit and future line-fit installations, with EASA and TCCA approvals expected later.
Positive
- FAA STC approval enables Gogo Galileo HDX installations on Pilatus PC-12 fleet
- Certification includes government, defense and special mission PC-12 variants
- Supports previously announced SD Government federal multi-orbit SATCOM contract
- Opens retrofit and future line-fit opportunities on in-service and new PC-12s
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – GOGO
In the Jun 16 session, GOGO declined 0.83%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 15 | STC approval news | Positive | -1.1% | New FAA and EASA STCs for Gogo Galileo on Dassault Falcon 7X/8X jets. |
| Jun 04 | Government contract win | Positive | +4.8% | SD Government secured a $7.5M NOAA Hurricane Hunter communications contract. |
| May 28 | Fleet connectivity deal | Positive | +1.7% | Airshare chose Gogo Galileo HDX for its entire Embraer Phenom 300 fleet. |
| May 07 | Q1 2026 earnings | Positive | +8.6% | Q1 2026 results with $226.3M revenue, $13.1M net income, reiterated guidance. |
| Apr 28 | Earnings date notice | Neutral | -0.3% | Announcement of timing and access details for Q1 2026 results release. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent positive commercial and government connectivity wins often saw aligned positive price reactions, with one notable divergence on an STC-related announcement.
Over recent months, Gogo has focused on expanding its Gogo Galileo connectivity footprint and government business. On May 7, Q1 2026 results with $226.3M revenue and $13.1M net income led to a +8.6% move. Subsequent wins included an Airshare Phenom 300 fleet deal on May 28 and a $7.5M NOAA contract on June 4, both followed by gains. However, the June 15 Falcon 7X/8X STC news coincided with a -1.09% move, contrasting with prior positive reactions. Today’s PC-12 STC expands that STC-driven narrative.
Key Terms
federal aviation administration regulatory
supplemental type certificate regulatory
low earth orbit technical
electronically steered antenna technical
european union aviation safety agency regulatory
transport canada civil aviation regulatory
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
BROOMFIELD, Colo., June 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SD Government, a Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) company providing connectivity infrastructure solutions to global governments and military, in partnership with Pilatus and Pro Star Aviation, have received the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of the Gogo Galileo HDX on the Pilatus PC-12 turboprop. The approval covers multiple variants, including for special missions.
The first PC-12 modified by Pilatus to include Gogo Galileo in accordance with the Pro Star STC is expected to return to service imminently. The aircraft is part of a previously announced SD Government federal contract for multi-orbit, multi-band airborne global satellite communications to a US government agency.
Gogo Galileo harnesses the power of Eutelsat OneWeb’s low earth orbit (LEO) satellite network to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity globally. The Galileo HDX electronically steered antenna (ESA) offers a compact, lightweight, aerodynamic and low-power solution and is minimally invasive to install.
This new Gogo Galileo HDX STC will bring formerly unprecedented global connectivity capabilities to government, defense and other special missions PC-12 operators, enabling the streaming of time-sensitive data, including HD video, imagery, secure chat, and even real-time medical information for MEDEVAC purposes. Private and business operators can also take advantage of this new FAA STC, enabling high-speed internet services for users in the cabin and cockpit.
Pro Star Aviation, a US Pilatus Sales and Service Center, worked alongside Pilatus to develop and certify the FAA STC. Subsequent European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) approvals are expected as Gogo Galileo HDX becomes available as both a retrofit for in-service PC-12s and a line-fit option for newbuild aircraft.
“This certification marks another important step in expanding the capabilities of the PC-12 for government, defense, and special missions operators worldwide. Reliable, high-speed connectivity has become an essential mission requirement, enabling crews and decision-makers to exchange critical information in real time. Through our collaboration with SD Government and Pro Star Aviation, we are pleased to offer a proven connectivity solution that further enhances the versatility, effectiveness, and operational value of the PC-12 platform for customers operating in even the most demanding environments,” says Möhl Oliver, CEO and President of Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd.
“We are excited to bring Gogo Galileo HDX to government, defense and special missions PC-12 operators, enabling them to securely stream mission-critical data from the aircraft to connected users, anywhere in the world. The PC-12 is an incredibly popular special missions aircraft – aside from our US Government launch customer, we’re already experiencing high demand for this upgrade from a variety of global operators,” says Ben Massey, SVP of Government Sales for SD Government.
“Working directly with Pilatus and Gogo during the preliminary planning phase allowed us all to develop an installation design that is flexible and compatible with the entire in-service fleet as well as new aircraft production,” adds Jeffrey Shaw, Director of Sales and Marketing at Pro Star Aviation.
Photo Caption: SD Government, with Pilatus and Pro Star Aviation, have received an STC from the FAA to install the Gogo Galileo HDX connectivity system on the Pilatus PC-12.
About SD Government, a Gogo Company
SD Government (SDG), a Gogo company, is a leading global operator of customized, secure end-to-end satellite connectivity services that deliver assured global access to networks, voice, data, and video applications on land and in the air. As part of the Gogo family, SDG leverages Gogo’s advanced technology ecosystem to provide integrated, mission-critical connectivity solutions to government and military operators worldwide.
Each SDG solution is scalable from simple point-to-point links to complete, end-to-end global systems that are fully interoperable and seamlessly integrated with government networks for enhanced situational awareness and faster response.
Providing customers with solutions across GEO, MEO, and LEO satellite constellations, encompassing L-, Ku-, Ka-, and frequency bands, SDG delivers innovative turnkey capabilities backed by Gogo’s proven expertise in aviation and connectivity infrastructure. The portfolio includes equipment, systems integration, ground networks, satellite airtime, training, and 24/7/365 global support.
Government customers trust SDG to deliver resilient, agnostic solutions with the highest quality of service and customer support, provided by an expert team of military veterans and technical specialists experienced in managing complex communications requirements to ensure mission success. Visit www.sdgov.gogoair.com.
About the PC-12 for Special Mission Operations
The rugged, field-proven PC-12 for Special Mission Operations is as versatile as an Army knife. In just minutes, it can be reconfigured to perform a wide range of special mission roles. In a single aircraft, the PC-12 combines high speed, long range, a spacious cabin, fuel efficiency, low maintenance requirements, and the ability to operate from short, unimproved runways, creating a unique asset unmatched in its class. It is a highly efficient platform capable of accomplishing a wide variety of critical missions.
The PC-12’s 330 cubic feet of cabin volume can be tailored to specific requirements. It can be reconfigured quickly from a nine-passenger transport configuration to a full-cargo or mixed passenger-and-cargo layout. It can also be converted into an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) or search-and-rescue platform with the discreet, deployable PC-12 Spectre electro-optical and infrared sensor lift and operator console. An optional utility door supports airdrop and parachute operations. The aircraft can also be transformed into a medevac configuration for air ambulance missions in a matter of minutes. Visit pilatus-aircraft.com.
Media contacts
Caroline Phaneuf – Arena Group
Caroline@arenagroupassociates.com
+1 514 778 5092
Stacey Giglio
sgiglio@gogoair.com
+1 321 361 6101
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Although it is not possible to identify all of these risks and factors, they include, among others, the following: our ability to continue to generate revenue from the provision of our connectivity and other service offerings; our development and fixed-price contracts; our reliance on our key OEMs and dealers for equipment sales; our dependence on single-source, third party satellite network providers; the impact of competition; our ability to maintain high-quality customer support; our reliance on third parties for equipment components and services; our participation in U.S. government contracts; our participation in non-U.S. government contracts; the finite useful life of satellites; the impact of global supply chain and logistics issues, tariffs and inflationary trends; the continued expansion of our business outside of the United States; foreign currency risk; our ability to recruit, train and retain highly skilled employees, and the loss of any key personnel; the impact of pandemics or other outbreaks of contagious diseases, and the measures implemented to combat them; the impact of adverse economic conditions; our ability to fully utilize portions of our deferred tax assets; the impact of attention to climate change, conservation measures and other sustainability-related matters; our ability to evaluate or pursue strategic opportunities; our ability to integrate Satcom Direct’s business, and the potential failure to realize or delay in realizing all of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition; the changes in executive management that occurred as part of the Satcom Direct acquisition; our ability to develop and deploy Gogo 5G, Gogo Galileo or other next generation technologies; our ability to maintain our rights to use our licensed 4Mhz of ATG spectrum in the United States and obtain rights to additional spectrum if needed; the impact of service interruptions or delays, cyberattacks, technology failures, equipment damage or system disruptions or failures; the impact of assertions by third parties of infringement, misappropriation or other violations; our ability to innovate and provide products and services; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence in our products and services; the impact of our use of open-source software; the impact of equipment failure or material defects or errors in our software; our ability to comply with applicable foreign ownership limitations; the impact of government regulation of communication networks, and the internet; the ongoing partial government shutdown; our possession and use of personal information; risks associated with participation in the FCC Reimbursement Program; our ability to comply with anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws; the extent of expenses, liabilities or business disruptions resulting from litigation; the impact of global climate change and legal, regulatory or market responses to it; the impact of the distribution of income among various jurisdictions in which we operate as well as changes in tax law or regulation on our U.S. and non-U.S. tax liabilities; the impact of changes in laws and regulations on U.S. government contractors; the impact of our substantial indebtedness; our ability to obtain additional financing to refinance or repay our existing indebtedness the impact of restrictions and limitations in the agreements and instruments governing our debt; the impact of an increase in interest rates; the impact of a substantial portion of our indebtedness being secured by substantially all of our assets; the impact of a substantial change in rating assigned by a rating agency; the volatility of our stock price; our ability to fully utilize our tax losses; the dilutive impact of future stock issuances; the impact of our stockholder concentration; our ability to fulfill the obligations of being a public company; the impact of an identified material weakness in our internal controls; the impact of certain provisions of our charter, bylaws, and Delaware law; and other factors listed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 27, 2026 and in our 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.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1e493ef7-6b85-42d7-9de1-6d54b1f9f602
