by Matthew Beres, Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Analyst, Forecast International.
Gogo recently made the largest announced in-flight connectivity deal in China, which also happens to be the first airline deal for Gogo in the country.
The agreement with Beijing-based Shareco Technologies will see Gogo’s 2Ku in-flight connectivity technology installed on 50 commercial aircraft for Shareco’s airline partners, including Hainan Airlines and Beijing Capital Airlines. Gogo will also provide its wireless in-flight entertainment solution, Gogo Vision, for Shareco to install on the aircraft.
Recent legal troubles with American Airlines have cast doubt on Gogo’s competitive strength compared to other companies, such as ViaSat, that have made significant progress in the airliner Wi-Fi market. Prior to the American Airlines lawsuit, Gogo had already made a number of deals with airlines for its 2Ku product, indicating that at least for those airlines, the 2Ku is considered a competitive offering.
Whether it is in response to the American Airlines lawsuit or part of Gogo’s previously developed strategic plan, the company has made a number of post-lawsuit enhancements to the 2Ku, including partnerships with Intelsat and satellite operator SES to help improve connectivity. Gogo also upgraded the 2Ku’s satellite modem.
Breaking ground in China will certainly serve to maintain Gogo’s dominant position, as China’s passenger airline market continues to expand and competition based on positive passenger experience increases.
Please feel free to use this content with Forecast International and analyst attributions, along with a link to the article. Contact Ray Peterson at +1 (203) 426-0800 or via email at ray.peterson@forecast1.com for additional analysis.
Forecast International’s Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast provides operators in the military and commercial aviation sectors with the information they need to maximize their current investments rather than expand their fleets, a trend that is opening up multiple opportunities for the expansion of retrofit and modernization programs. The Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast provides comprehensive coverage of cargo conversions, re-engining, service-life extensions, fleet-wide electronics retrofits, digital cockpit upgrades, and the installation of in-flight entertainment systems.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
