Gogo Adding In-Air Content Streaming Platform

Wi-Fi in the skies. Is there really anything more amazing, or more "futuristic?" The company responsible for much of that is Aircell, or as it's called now, Gogo. Aircell has officially become just "Gogo," mostly to signify the real driving purpose of the company. Aside from changing names, the company also announced a new in-air multimedia platform, which will extend beyond Internet connectivity to offer passengers exclusive access to online services that include real-time travel information, destination content, news and information, exclusive shopping deals and social network integration.

Basically, Gogo wants to stream content from the cockpit to your computer. The good news is that this won't require an air-to-ground internet connection; the content will be housed onboard, and it'll just be streamed "locally." The platform will also give airlines the opportunity to offer passengers access to the latest movies and TV shows through Gogo’s new streaming video product, and it'll work on any Web-enabled device.

The company's planning to make it available in Q4 of this year, with beta testing going on now with American Airlines. It's also worth noting that this new platform could be installed on international flights, even though Gogo Wi-Fi wouldn't be included. There's no question that we're excited to see where Gogo is heading; we obviously wish Wi-Fi were on more flights, but hopefully having a content platform will make airlines jump onboard even faster.

Gogo Soars to Unexplored Heights with New, In-air Multimedia Platform

New platform to offer engaging flight, destination, e-commerce, video, gaming and news experience for travelers in-air, online

ITASCA, Ill., July 15, 2011 – Gogo today announced plans to launch a new, in-air multimedia platform that will extend the company beyond Internet connectivity to offer passengers exclusive access to online services that include real-time travel information, destination content, news and information, exclusive shopping deals and social network integration.  The platform will also give airlines the opportunity to offer passengers access to the latest movies and TV shows through Gogo’s new streaming video product.

The new platform will be a unique in-air experience that passengers access via their own Web enabled device on any aircraft equipped with Gogo Wi-Fi internet service.  The new site will also be customizable to allow better branding opportunities for Gogo’s airline partners.  The new platform will be available beginning in the fourth quarter of this year.

“This is the convergence of in-flight connectivity and entertainment.  When we first started offering Wi-Fi connectivity, it became clear to us that we could offer travelers so much more to enhance their travel experience,” said Ash ElDifrawi, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Gogo. “Today, travelers depend on Gogo to keep them connected in air and, while connectivity remains at the heart of our business, we are thrilled to offer travelers this new form of entertainment at 30,000 ft.”

Over the last several months, Gogo has worked with design and innovation firm IDEO to define and build the new platform. Gogo engaged with IDEO to better understand the needs of travelers and the airlines.  The next step was to determine how to best leverage its in-flight connectivity to address those needs.

Gogo has begun rolling out some of these new features including a new partnership with Gilt Groupe.   Gogo’s video service will also allow travelers to rent movies and TV shows for viewing in air. Gogo currently has an agreement with major Hollywood studios and will feature recently released movies and hit TV shows. .

“The introduction of this new platform will enable our airline partners to customize in air, online experiences to reflect their brand; it will offer passengers an engaging travel experience; and it will give advertisers access to a very unique audience” said ElDifrawi. “It offers the flexibility to provide a robust set of experiences – such as travel information, movies, shopping and social networking – that’s relevant to each individual airline or specific journey.  It also sends us farther down the path to making Gogo everyone’s favorite part of flying.”

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 Gogo’s exclusive network and services, passengers with laptops and other Wi-Fi enabled devices can get online on all domestic AirTran Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin America flights and on select Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways.

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.