Gogo Inc. has received the first Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supplemental type certification (STC) for its fuselage mount installation of an antenna system, awarded to Trimec Aviation. This certification follows the installation on a Gulfstream G200 aircraft.
The STC approval represents a significant milestone as it is the first granted by the FAA for a low-earth-orbit antenna in North America. This system will provide Gulfstream G200 aircraft owners with access to high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity using the Eutelsat OneWeb satellite network. This connectivity aims to enhance productivity and entertainment for passengers and crew during flights.
Trimec Aviation will offer upgrade options for the installation, which involves integrating two components: the fuselage-mounted antenna and the necessary platform. This setup ensures that aircraft owners can upgrade their systems in the future without significant investment.
Chris Moore, CEO of Broomfield-based Gogo, emphasized that aircraft equipped with this system will also benefit from additional services such as technical support and cybersecurity products. The company expects to gain more FAA approvals for various aircraft before the end of the year.