Gogo Satellite Connectivity To Be Installed On Long-Range Aircraft

Air Canada will offer satellite connectivity on international flights so customers can email, surf the internet and stream entertainment at broadband speeds while flying anywhere in the world. Already, Air Canada is the only Canadian carrier to offer customers in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity across its entire fleet of narrow-body aircraft in North America.

Under the agreement, Air Canada will begin installing Gogo 2Ku satellite technology on its wide-body fleet commencing this fall with its Boeing 777 aircraft. At present, Air Canada is the only Canadian carrier to offer customers in-flight Wi-fi across its entire narrow-body fleet of aircraft on flights within North America.

"Air Canada is pleased to announce it will offer customers the ability to stay connected whenever and wherever they fly by extending in-flight, North American connectivity to its wide-body aircraft flying overseas using satellite technology," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada

"While business travelers will welcome satellite Wi-Fi service as a productivity tool, it will have widespread appeal for all travellers by allowing them to stay in touch, access the internet and enjoy additional entertainment options throughout their entire journey."

"The performance of Gogo's 2Ku technology is unmatched in global aviation today and is built on the concept of an open system with the ability to leverage dozens of Ku-band satellites in orbit," said Gogo's president and CEO, Michael Small. "We've also built it to leverage any of the new Ku-band LEO satellite constellations coming on line in the future.  This system design will enable Air Canada to continue to deliver industry leading connectivity to its passengers for the foreseeable future."

(Source: Air Canada news release)

FMI: www.aircanada.com, www.gogo.com