Tag: Gogo

Aircell Raises $35 Million For Inflight Wi-Fi

Aircell, the company that provides Gogo inflight Internet service, said today it has raised $35 million in financing with its existing investors.

Aircell offers Gogo on nine of the 11 major U.S. airlines and on nearly 6,000 business aircraft. The financing will be used to fund growth in both commercial and business aviation markets.

“2010 was the year Inflight Internet went mainstream and Aircell established its leadership in this exciting new mobile Internet venue," said Michael Small, Aircell President and CEO.

"Since securing our exclusive spectrum license in 2006, we’ve raised more than $500M."

Existing investors include Ripplewood Holdings, a major private equity group, Blumenstein/Thorne Information Partners and other investment entities associated with investor/entrepreneur Oakleigh Thorne.

In 2011, Aircell expects to increase its base of installed aircraft by an average of three per day in the airline market. Gogo is available on all AirTran Airways, Virgin America and mainline Delta Air Lines flights; as well as flights operated by Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways, with service on Frontier Airlines expected to begin shortly.

February 7, 2011
Gogo Offering Free Inflight Facebook Access

Gogo Inflight Internet said today it would offer free access to Facebook for the month of February for passengers on seven major airlines.

In partnership with Ford, Gogo is offering free Facebook access on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, AirTran Airways, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America.

"Facebook continues to be the number one website visited by travelers using Gogo at 30,000 feet," said Aircell Chief Revenue Officer, Jim Berrien.

"Our commitment is to offer great inflight experiences to our users, and unique marketing opportunities to advertisers.”

When the plane has reached 10,000 feet and people are allowed to turn on electronic devices, they can visit the Gogo wireless network, open their browser and click on the Ford/Facebook banner.

The service is available to users on all Wi-Fi enabled devices, including laptops, smartphones and PDAs.

February 1, 2011
Google Offers Free Inflight Wi-Fi For The Holidays

The Google Chrome browser team said today it has partnered with AirTran, Delta and Virgin America, to provide free Gogo Inflight Internet to travelers during the holiday season.

People flying on AirTran, Delta or Virgin America between November 20, 2010 and January 2, 2011 will have free Wi-Fi on any of their domestic flights.

“We are constantly working to help provide a better web experience to users around the world,” said Sundar Pichai, Vice President of Product Management at Google.

“Whether it be building a better browser with Chrome or bringing free Wi-Fi to air travelers this holiday season, we are constantly innovating to ensure users’ access to the web is fast, simple and seamless.”

As the three airlines that have outfitted their entire domestic fleet with in-flight Wi-Fi, this promotion will bring free Internet service to more than 700 planes and approximately 15 million expected passengers this holiday season.

This season marks the second straight year that Google has provided free Wi-Fi to travelers over the holiday season. Last year, Google worked with Virgin America as well as more than 50 airports to provide free Internet both on the ground and in the air.

November 8, 2010
Aircell Offers Monthly Inflight Internet Subscription

Aircell, a company that provides wireless inflight Internet access to a number of major airlines in the U.S., has introduced a new monthly subscription plan for its Gogo service.

The Gogo Monthly Subscription is aimed at frequent fliers and is available for $34.95 each month. Aircell says the service automatically renews each month.

"Building on the strong demand for our existing 30-Day product, frequent flyers are telling us that they want a single pass that provides a seamless and convenient way to stay connected across all Gogo equipped airlines," said Michael Small, Aircell’s President and CEO.

Users can purchase the Gogo Monthly Subscription via the inflight portal. After registering, users will have Internet access on all Gogo equipped flights. The number of airplanes that are Gogo equipped stands at more than 800.

Gogo Monthly Subscription will initially be available on AirTran Airways, American Airlines, Delta, and Virgin America. Aircell says those airlines have a high percentage of their fleets equipped with Gogo.

Aircell’s goal is to offer airline passengers a variety of pricing options. The company will still offer Gogo passes for single flights starting at $4.95.

Gogo is currently available on all AirTran and Virgin America flights and on some Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, US Airways and United flights. Later in 2010, Gogo will be available on Alaska Airlines and Continental Airlines.

April 7, 2010