Two of the biggest companies in the in-flight connectivity industry, Thales and Gogo, announced a new partnership this week at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. The partnership will combine Thales’ TopConnect in-flight entertainment cabin system with Gogo’s connectivity solutions to offer line-fit solutions to carriers worldwide.
(Gogo’s Test Aircraft. Photo, courtesy of Gogo.)
Thales should benefit from Gogo’s current solutions which are powered by Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Ka-band satellite service, Ku-satellite and Air-to-Ground (ATG) technologies.
Gogo President and CEO Michael Small said the partnership will help to expand his company’s global footprint as they approach the 2014 launch of GX’s full global coverage for its Ka-band network.
“It brings two best of breed capabilities together and will give airlines exclusive passenger experiences with an economical and global connection. This gives us the benefit of accessing satellite-based connectivity services through Gogo’s reseller agreements with its satellite partners as well as Gogo’s ATG network where available,” said Alan Pellegrini, president and CEO of Thales USA.
Following the partnership announcement with Thales, Gogo announced a $113 million increase to its existing $135 million credit facility arranged by Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan in June 2012. The financing will help fund the company’s international expansion plans, as it increasingly looks to offer service for carriers beyond the U.S.
Related: In-Flight Connectivity News