Inmarsat GX Partners With Gogo for Worldwide Aviation Connectivity Service

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Nov 29, 2011, 08:32 ET

ITASCA, Ill., Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, today announced the selection of Gogo as its partner to bring Inmarsat's Global Xpress™ satellite service to the commercial airline market. Gogo will be a service provider, distributing Global Xpress service to the global commercial aviation market. Inmarsat has also selected Gogo's business aviation subsidiary, Aircell, as a distribution partner for the business and government aviation markets.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110715/CG34837LOGO)

"With Gogo onboard as a service provider, we've rounded out our team to deliver Global Xpress to the commercial aviation market, starting in 2013," said Leo Mondale, Managing Director of Inmarsat GX. "The superior performance and economics of Global Xpress versus any other satellite solution in the aviation marketplace uniquely position us to support passenger connectivity across commercial and business aviation markets, on a sustainable basis. The combination of the Inmarsat Ka- and L-band satellite technologies with Gogo's air-to-ground service will support adoption of superior connectivity solutions across entire airline fleets in a way that really makes sense. We see a major commercial opportunity for Global Xpress in aviation services, which will in turn support the future growth of Inmarsat."

Working with Inmarsat, Gogo will begin in-flight testing of the Global Xpress aeronautical services after the launch of the first Inmarsat-5 satellite, which is scheduled for mid-2013. Gogo plans to offer regional service in 2013 with services for air transport, business aviation and government customers expected worldwide later in 2014.

Inmarsat's Global Xpress service will allow Gogo to utilize the first global Ka-band solution, which is expected to bring significantly improved performance to the global aero market in terms of coverage, capacity and cost. With expected transmission speeds up to 50 megabits per second, Global Xpress will power a solution that provides a high-performing satellite experience for passengers and airlines alike.

"We believe that this is truly a game changer for our industry in that it's the first scalable global solution in the market. Inmarsat has assembled an incredible team and we are highly confident in the execution plan we've put in place," said Michael Small, Gogo's president and CEO. "One of our goals is to be able to provide technology solutions that enable us to service the full-fleet needs of our current and future airline partners; regardless of aircraft size or mission. By partnering with Inmarsat, we are able to add an important piece to our technology puzzle."

"Gogo is a leader in in-flight connectivity in terms of installing aircraft, managing bandwidth and driving customer adoption," added Mondale. "We are excited to work with Gogo and all of our partners to bring Global Xpress to the aero market."

Gogo and its subsidiary, Aircell, will also be appointed as a SwiftBroadband distribution partner for the aeronautical markets.

Gogo is a leading provider of in-air global satellite connectivity solutions for business aviation through Aircell, with more than 5,000 aircraft in service. Aircell has already installed equipment that utilizes Inmarsat's SwiftBroadband solution for global connectivity service on more than 100 business aircraft.

About Gogo®

Gogo® is fast becoming everyone's favorite part of flying. By allowing travelers to get online, in air, Gogo keeps them connected to life. Using the Gogo exclusive network and services, passengers with laptops and other Wi-Fi enabled devices can get online on all domestic AirTran Airways and Virgin America flights, on all domestic mainline Delta flights and on select Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways flights.

Back on the ground, Gogo's 350+ employees in Itasca, IL and Broomfield, CO are working to continually redefine flying as a productive, socially connected, and all-around more satisfying experience. Connect with us at www.gogoair.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gogo and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/gogo.

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat plc (LSE: ISAT) is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. The company's services are delivered through a global network of more than 400 distribution partners and service providers operating in 100 countries. For the year ended 31 December 2010, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$1,171.6 million (2009: US$1,038.1 million) with an EBITDA of US$696.1 million (2009: US$594.2 million). For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com.

Contact: Steve Nolan, 630-310-2468, [email protected].

SOURCE Gogo