FAA issues first STC for Gogo’s Galileo FDX terminal
The FAA has issued the first supplemental type certificate (STC) for Gogo’s Galileo FDX terminal, generated by Aloft AeroArchitects.
The certificate covers Boeing 737NG-based Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) 1 and BBJ2 and BBJ MAX models, and can be modified to support subsequent Boeing BBJ 737 STC variants. There are about 200 BBJ 737s in the global fleet.
Chris Moore, CEO, Gogo said: “We are extremely pleased to confirm this approval. This first FDX STC marks another major milestone as we strive to deliver multi-orbit, multi-band connectivity for all types of aircraft. We’re even more proud that the customer has trusted Gogo to be its first connectivity provider and flight deck datalink service.”
An initial Gogo Galileo FDX installation has already been completed on an undisclosed customer’s Boeing BBJ 737-700IGW. Comprising two line-replaceable units: a full-duplex FDX, flat-panel, electronically steered antenna (ESA), and either an SDR Gateway or AVANCE router platform, installation is minimally invasive.
Leveraging the Eutelsat OneWeb low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, the FDX terminal supports global broadband with up to 195Mbps download and 32Mbps upload speeds.
The terminal is purpose-built for business aviation and optimised for super-midsize, long-range and executive airliner aircraft types.
Scott Meyer, CEO, Aloft said: “Our customer needed to equip secure, global connectivity, and as a first-time user, knew that the technology would be supported wherever they flew. The Gogo Galileo FDX terminal meets those needs, and was also, despite being our first install, straightforward to fit.”
Gogo’s FlightDeck Freedom (FDF) datalink service has also been activated to support crew operations, assisting with aspects like trip planning, flight tracking and automated real-time weather information.
Subsequent approval from EASA is expected to follow later in 2025.
Last week, Gogo’s Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount antenna received EASA STC approvals for Dassault Falcon 7X and 8X aircraft.
The latest STC gives all Dassault Falcon 7X and 8X operators equipping airframes with the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal access to global connectivity, through Viasat’s Ka-band GX network.
