In a move that’s set to transform the business and military/government aviation landscape, Gogo has recently acquired Satcom Direct (SD). This acquisition marks a pivotal step in strengthening Gogo's position as a global leader in inflight connectivity (IFC). The synergies between Gogo and Satcom Direct are not only exciting for the companies but promise significant benefits for customers as well. Let's explore how the combination of these two industry giants will reshape the inflight connectivity market.
At the core of this combination are the complementary strengths of both companies. Satcom Direct has been a prominent player in satellite solutions for business aviation and government, focusing on delivering reliable satellite services from major satellite providers like Intelsat, Viasat and Eutelsat OneWeb. However, Satcom Direct never ventured into Air-to-Ground (ATG) connectivity due to Gogo's stronghold in that space and the large investment required. Meanwhile, Gogo has built a successful ATG business and is now expanding into satellite offerings.
By combining Gogo’s expertise in ATG with Satcom Direct’s satellite capabilities, the two companies are creating a unique and powerful product portfolio. The combination of multi-orbit, multi-band satellite solutions with Gogo's ATG service will allow them to cater to a wide range of customer needs. This expanded product line is particularly appealing to both business aviation and government customers who demand reliable, global connectivity.
Gogo and Satcom Direct have long been leaders in business aviation connectivity, joint efforts seem like a natural fusion and undoubtedly will bring positive advancements to the industry.
Customers in business aviation and government sectors seek enterprise-grade, secure, and reliable solutions. With the Gogo-Satcom Direct combination, customers will benefit from a single point of contact for all their connectivity needs, from satellite to ATG services.
The customer-centric approach is a core value for both Gogo and Satcom Direct. With a strong focus on the inflight connectivity (IFC) market, Gogo is investing heavily in its services and technology, ensuring they remain the best in the business. The goal is not just to offer the latest connectivity solutions but to make sure the customer experience remains top-notch, with personal support available at all times.
Gogo’s technical support department is among the best I have ever worked with. Their knowledge and willingness to explain every detail of an issue is unmatched.
In addition to the acquisition of Satcom Direct, Gogo is actively pushing the envelope with two major initiatives: the launch of its 5G network and the introduction of its Galileo HDX system. These advancements promise to enhance the inflight connectivity experience for business aviation customers.
Gogo’s Galileo HDX system has already passed several rounds of testing, with successful demonstrations in diverse geographical regions. The final stages of approval are underway, with the service expected to be commercially available soon. Meanwhile, the 5G network is also nearing deployment, with Gogo anticipating a market launch later this year.
For existing customers still using first-generation ATG services, Gogo has developed low-cost upgrade programs to transition them to the more advanced AVANCE platform. This ensures that all Gogo customers can benefit from the latest technology, while still receiving continuity of service.
The combination of Gogo and Satcom Direct represents a major leap forward for inflight connectivity. By integrating their strengths and expanding their offerings, Gogo is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of business aviation and government customers, ensuring they receive the best-in-class connectivity solutions for years to come.
