Gogo begins flight testing air-to-ground 5G network
Gogo is testing its next-generation 5G air-to-ground connectivity network.
Leading business aviation connectivity provider Gogo has begun flight testing its next-generation 5G air-to-ground (ATG) network in North America.
Flying an adapted Pilatus PC-24 with belly-mounted antenna, Gogo aims to complete the test and validation programme in 40 to 50 hours of flight time over several weeks.
READ: The Official Guide to Aircraft Connectivity 2026
The trials will begin with simple operations before ramping up to full tests with multiple applications such as video calls, streaming and internet browsing running on multiple devices simultaneously.
“This is a true walk before you run-type methodical test plan,” says Chris Moore, CEO, Gogo. “We’ve started out by establishing an end-to-end call in flight, and we’re rapidly progressing to the critical inflight connectivity use cases that will validate readiness for 5G product launch, including simple validation, continuous connection, call setups, handovers and application testing.”
The tests are using Gogo air-to-ground towers in eastern Colorado and Nebraska and will then move on to connect with towers around Broomfield, Chicago, New York and Miami.
Gogo engineers have already validated the 5G chip’s functionality on the ground.
“Having the product perform in the air for the first time is a major accomplishment for Gogo and represents a significant advancement in bringing next-gen ATG broadband to our customers,” adds Moore.
“Once in service, the Gogo 5G service will deliver never-before-seen ATG connectivity with speeds of up to 80Mbps for business and military aircraft of all sizes, allowing them to seamlessly surf the net, stream video calls and satisfy the data demand from our customers now and into the future.”
Once flight testing is complete, Gogo will lock in the 5G AVANCE software and apply to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the final minor change approvals for the Gogo AVANCE LX5 and Gogo X3 products, which have already been approved with the earlier 4G chip.
Gogo is targeting full-service activation before the end of 2025 and will begin to generate revenue in Q1 of 2026. About 400 aircraft are enabled for the new 5G service. The company’s acquisition of value-added reseller Satcom Direct in December 2024 expanded its offering to multi-orbit, multi-band global satellite connectivity alongside its traditional air-to-ground network in North America.
