Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Gogo Business Aviation is a provider of in-flight broadband Internet service and other connectivity services for business aircraft.

Hughes Network Systems has completed test flying of the Gogo Galileo HDX electronically steered antenna (ESA) on a Bombardier Challenger 300, while Wheels Up announced plans to equip its entire fleet with Galileo HDX satcom systems and Textron Aviation became the first OEM to offer Galileo HDX as a factory-installed option for the Cessna Citation Longitude, Latitude, and Ascend. Galileo service, which runs on Eutelsat’s OneWeb low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellation,&nbsp;is set to begin by the end of the year.
The half-duplex HDX antenna will be available for the Longitude in 2026 and for the Latitude and Ascend at a date to be announced later.
“At Textron Aviation, we are committed to enhancing the flight experience for our customers,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior v-p of global sales and flight operations for Textron Aviation. “By offering Gogo Galileo HDX, we ensure that passengers on these Citation business jets enjoy a seamless and superior in-flight Wi-Fi experience, no matter where their journey takes them.”
Wheels Up plans to begin Galileo installations in mid-2025 as supplemental type certificates are approved covering its fleet types.
"Exceptional onboard Wi-Fi is a central in-flight experience feature our members and customers value when selecting an aircraft," said Wheels Up CEO George Mattson. "Gogo is a long-term proven partner of ours and their next-generation Galileo HDX system is a key element of our fleet modernization plan.”
Gogo’s Galileo HDX antenna can fit on any business aircraft and weighs 21.6 pounds and measures 24 inches long, 11.8 inches wide, and 2.1 inches high. The FDX (full-duplex) will fit on larger jets and will be available in the first half of 2025. It weighs 40 to 45 pounds, with a length of 30 inches, width 24.6 inches, and height the same at 2.1 inches.
Service speed for HDX is up to 60 Mbps download and 11 Mbps upload, while the FDX will offer 195 Mbps download and 32 Mbps upload. Prices range from $3,500 per month for 25 GB to $10,500 for unlimited data. The system price as an add-on to Gogo Avance L5 is $120,000 for HDX or $190,000 for FDX.
Hughes Network Systems manufactures the terminals, including the antennas, for Gogo in Germantown, Maryland. “Business jet owners can unlock the full potential of LEO connectivity with the Hughes ESA to deliver a seamless, gate-to-gate connectivity experience,” said Reza Rasoulian, senior v-p of Hughes’ aviation business unit.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Gogo Galileo Signs Wheels Up and Textron Aviation as Service Entry Nears

LEO satcom is expected to begin service by the end of the year

Gogo Galileo service is set to begin by the end of the year, and it runs on Eutelsat’s OneWeb low-earth-orbit satellite constellation.

Gogo Galileo Signs Wheels Up and Textron Aviation

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Mid Continent leaders will retain a 12% stake in company

Heico Expands Bizjet Foothold with Mid Continent Controls Buy

Approval adds option for service center installations

Gulfstream First OEM To Receive Starlink STC

Jessica Reed

Both companies installed PS Engineering’s PAC45 digital audio systems in two separate aircraft

Rotortech and West Star Aviation Upgrade Audio Systems

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

System provides reliable bandwidth for up to 10 devices simultaneously

FAA Certifies Outerlink’s Air IP System for Sikorsky S-76

Charles Alcock

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

New York tannery looks to innovate beyond traditional leather products

Perrone Shows New Leather, Textile Options for Cabins

Sarah Rose

AVDS system enables high-speed online gaming from the stratosphere

Innovative Advantage Hopes To Level Up Gaming in the Skies

Gogo's third attempt to acquire Satcom Direct succeeds

Gogo Takes 'Full-on Offense' with Satcom Direct Buy

Chad Trautvetter

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

In this article

Gogo Business Aviation

Wheels Up

Textron Aviation

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics