Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO) has received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for a direct current (DC) variant of the Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount terminal designed for Gulfstream G280 aircraft. This marks the first regulatory approval for a Plane Simple antenna powered by direct current versus alternating current (AC).
The DC option will enable high-speed broadband distribution, powered by the Viasat Jet ConneX service, for passengers and crew on the Gulfstream G280, which is categorized as an agile, super-midsized jet. Broomfield-based Gogo achieved the STC in collaboration with Gulfstream and Jet Aviation, with installation conducted by Jet Aviation at its maintenance center in Basel, Switzerland.
The G280 owner, identified as a large German automotive supplier, plans to utilize the DC Plane Simple Ka-band antenna to ensure uninterrupted global connectivity. The antenna supports a range of data-intensive applications, including video streaming, live TV, video calls, file transfers, gaming and virtual private networks, allowing passengers to remain productive while in flight.
The DC variant connects to existing Viasat GX satellites and will also work with future next-generation GX satellites, which will enhance data transmission capabilities. Gogo users will benefit from the Gogo ecosystem that offers global customer support, tailored training and cybersecurity services.
“The latest STC in our growing portfolio showcases our commitment to delivering a portfolio of products that enables every type of business aircraft operator to access our connectivity services. We can modify our products to integrate with the varying requirements and configurations of in-service airframes while simultaneously equipping a connectivity system purpose-built to maintain pace with the changing connectivity landscape. We are determined to make our connectivity options available to every owner that seeks high-speed broadband, and this STC confirms we are on track to meet the diverse missions of our business aviation, military and government customers,” said Dave Falberg, Gogo, senior vice president of sales, EMEA.
The Plane Simple terminal features a design that includes just two line replaceable units: a modem unit and the tail-mount antenna. This configuration reduces installation time and maintenance costs, while being positioned in the unpressurized part of the fuselage to maximize cabin space.
Gogo also offers cabin connectivity service plans for both in-production and legacy aircraft under the Gulfstream Connectivity Service program.
