Virgin Atlantic will use the new satellite-based 2Ku system of Gogo in order to gain in-flight connectivity with speeds that could reach up to 70Mbps. As a result of the agreement, all of the airline's existing aircrafts will be equipped with Gogo's 2Ku technology. The launching of the said technology is expected to commence in the middle of 2015.
Prior to the 2Ku technology, Gogo used an Air-to-Ground network of cellular towers. This method brought several limitations such as speeds and availability in trans-oceanic flights. With 2Ku's satellite-based technology, connectivity is enhanced and will make Gogo services available whenever, wherever and however the service is needed.
Virgin Atlantic is Gogo's first European partner and will be the first airline to put the 2Ku technology to the overseas test.
Michael Small, president and CEO of Gogo, described how Virgin Atlantic is on a cutting edge in delivering in-flight technology solutions. He added how his company feels excited to bring the best connectivity solutions in order to keep the airline's passengers connected wherever they may be flying in the world.
"Virgin Atlantic's relationship with Delta Air Lines will also allow us to build a seamless experience for passengers who fly both airlines," Small said.
Delta, however, still has to confirm if it will be deploying 2Ku which, as a result, will place it as one of Gogo's first customers.
In the meantime, the first 2Ku North American partner of Gogo is Aeromexico.
Gogo is famous for its in-flight Internet, which could explain why Virgin Atlantic has ventured on a partnership with the company. It originally launched its in-flight service five years ago and offered speeds of up to 3.1Mbps. The company has grown and rolled out last year its next-gen ATG service with speeds of up to 9.8Mbps. It announced the latest 2Ku technology in April which has brought unprecedented speeds of up to 70Mbps in the U.S. and in the rest of the world.
"We're always looking at ways to enhance the on-board experience for our customers, and expanding in-flight connectivity across our fleet is just one of the ways in which we are doing this," said Reuben Arnold, brand and customer engagement director of Virgin Atlantic. "We were impressed with Gogo's connectivity solution and look forward to all of our customers being able to enjoy this service whilst they fly."
Currently, there are over 2,000 commercial aircrafts that are covered by 10 major airlines which feature Gogo's Internet services. The company is also the in-flight Internet service provider of over 6,000 business aircrafts.
