Wheels Up, the revolutionary membership-based private aviation company, and Gogo, the global leader in providing broadband connectivity solutions and wireless in-flight entertainment to the aviation industry, today announced the launch of Gogo’s Text & Talk service on select Wheels Up aircraft, with fleet-wide installation by the end of 2015.
Wheels Up members will have complimentary access to in-flight texting and calling capabilities in addition to existing Wi-Fi and entertainment options. The service works via a smartphone app and Wi-Fi connection, and is easy to use because it mimics the operation and native features of the passenger’s device, including Caller ID, contact lists and call histories. Importantly, it uses the passenger’s own mobile number, allowing for truly seamless operation.
“We are proud to be the first private aviation company to offer Gogo’s Text & Talk service fleet-wide,” said Kenny Dichter, Wheels Up Founder and CEO. “The cutting-edge technology makes sense for Wheels Up members who want to stay connected when they are flying,”
Dichter added that call quality is as clear as on-ground cellular communications, and represents a vast improvement over the preceding satellite phone technology. With no interruptions in members’ ability to text and talk in flight, this new feature surpasses Wi-Fi alone.
“We are very pleased to join forces with Wheels Up and their impressive membership to offer our newest technology and support the Company’s mission to create a world-class standard of service,” said John Wade, Gogo Business Aviation’s executive vice president and general manager.
About Wheels UpWheels Up is a revolutionary membership-based private aviation company that significantly reduces the upfront cost to fly privately, while providing unparalleled flexibility, service and safety. Created and led by Kenny Dichter, the Founder of Marquis Jet and innovator of the 25-hour fractional jet card, Wheels Up offers aircraft with guaranteed availability on its private fleet of new Beechcraft King Air 350i and Citation Excel/XLS aircraft. Operating with an 8760 culture (24 hours a day, 365 days of the year), the Company offers individual, family and corporate members exceptional world-class service with around the clock support. The cutting-edge Wheels Up mobile app enables members to seamlessly book flights, manage their accounts and participate in ride share opportunities. Wheels Up Members also have access to the Wheels Down program, featuring exclusive lifestyle events and experiences, unique partner benefits and a full-service luxury concierge, which is also integrated in the Wheels Up app.
Wheels Up acts as agent for the Wheels Up Members, and is not the operator of the program aircraft; FAA licensed and DOT registered air carriers participating in the program exercise full operational control of the program aircraft. Any aircraft owned or leased by Wheels Up are dry leased to the operating air carrier to facilitate operations by that carrier. For additional information, please visit www.wheelsup.com.
About GogoGogo is a leading global aero-communications service provider that offers in-flight Internet, entertainment, text messaging, voice and a host of other communications-related services to the commercial and business aviation markets. Gogo has nearly 2,500 commercial aircraft equipped with its services on 11 major airlines. More than 6,800 business aircraft are also flying with its solutions, including the world's largest fractional ownership fleets. Gogo also is a factory option at every major business aircraft manufacturer.
Gogo has more than 1,000 employees and is headquartered in Chicago, IL, with additional facilities in Broomfield, CO, and various locations outside the U.S. Connect with us at www.gogoair.com and business.gogoair.com
About Gogo Business AviationGogo Business Aviation, formerly known as Aircell, is a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment, services and support to the business aviation market. Through a full range of capabilities including Internet, voice, entertainment, cockpit data and more, the company increases the productivity, safety, and enjoyment of the business aviation travel experience. An AS9100-certified company, Gogo Business Aviation serves a global customer base and has an authorized dealer/distributor network that spans six continents. The only company to offer all three of business aviation’s most popular network technologies – Gogo Biz®, SwiftBroadband and Iridium® – it offers solutions to fulfill any customer need, aircraft type or geography.
A Collier Trophy nominee and the recipient of several dozen awards for innovation, Gogo Business Aviation is widely credited with many of the industry’s most influential historical achievements, beginning with the groundbreaking airborne cellular concept that launched the company in 1991. Connect with us at http://business.gogoair.com and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/gogobizav.
Media Relations Contact:
Tom Myers
Senior Director, Global Marketing
Gogo
Office +1.303.301.3237
tmyers@gogoair.com
www.twitter.com/gogobizav
Investor Relations Contact:
Varvara Alva
Vice President, Investor Relations
Gogo
Office +1.630.647.7460
ir@gogoair.com