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Managing budgets for aviation has always been dynamic. New mandates require unexpected upgrades, tech issues require unexpected maintenance time, and changing fleets make financial planning a challenge.
Operating costs are one of the least predictable line items on a flight department budget sheet. Yet principals and passengers always expect the aircraft to be ready, waiting, and available as needed. They also expect the aircraft to be connected; even a short two-hour flight without connectivity can result in a lost deal, a missed call, or reduced productivity due to missed meetings.
Yet we know that not every operator has been able to access connectivity solutions, and that this can be driven by budget constraints. We understand the importance of budget management and the complex balancing act between flying with connectivity and the expenditure required to equip, install, and support it.
We also understand that not all operators are created equal, and we recognize that for some, the initial acquisition costs can be prohibitive for a number of diverse reasons. That’s why we created Gogo Flexible Financing, a 36-month, fixed-term financing program with 0% interest.
As technology has evolved, connectivity solutions now exist for a wider range of aircraft. Once the domain of the big jets, high-speed, low-latency connectivity is now available to more aircraft than ever before. The combination of Gogo 5G, Gogo Galileo low-earth orbit (LEO) or Gogo Plane Simple geosynchronous orbit (GEO) solutions are unmatched in the sector and can deliver connectivity from aircraft of King Air 200-size up to BBJ and above. The powerful combination of our connectivity hardware, software and added value services is available to more operators than ever.
The benefits for owners and smaller flight departments of gaining cutting-edge connectivity without the need for large capital expenditure upfront might be obvious, but Gogo Flexible Financing also opens the door to significant benefits for operators seeking to expand their fleets and deliver a high-quality passenger experience, while optimizing capital expenditure.
Imagine, for example, a regional Phenom 300 MRO specialist that operates two aircraft on its AOC. The aircraft is popular with charter customers, and the company believes it could profitably expand its fleet with two more aircraft; however, passengers are constantly requesting incabin broadband. Without connectivity, the operator is aware it could lose business to other operators that provide the solution.
Financing can support all size of operator accessing high speed broadband | © limaspotter.
Satellite connectivity was not an option for the Embraer Phenom 300 until now. The lightweight and compact size of the Gogo Galileo HDX antenna has ushered in a new era of connectivity for this type of aircraft, and the Gogo Galileo HDX STCs are enabling the broadband solution to be retrofitted.
But budgeting for two installations and service plans, while onboarding two more additional aircraft is a big ask for a small company. With Gogo Flexible Financing both aircraft may be equipped without needing to find a big chunk of capital, meaning the operator can expand with a connectivity-equipped fleet while simultaneously protecting and balancing revenue as the business scales.
Customers approved for Gogo Flexible Financing will schedule their installation directly with a Gogo-authorized dealer. Billing begins only when the service is activated, and the initial customer invoice includes the first installment of the hardware payment.
The favorable financial terms allow the operator to commit early, making its Phenom 300s more attractive to the charter market. Budgets can be managed for the long term, as our three-year plans mean customers know what they’re paying for the next 36 months. We don’t like surprises and we know our customers don’t either, so we keep the payment plan fixed for the duration of the agreement.
Better still, our wider product portfolio enables options on how the company provides service to its customers. Our SkyTicket product allows operators to offer passenger connectivity securely via voucher or credit card, enabling passengers to choose and pay for their desired connection package while helping operators recoup service costs or even to generate ancillary revenue.
Gogo enabling broadband in the sky.
By extending Gogo Flexible Finance to the Gogo Plane Simple range, we’re also providing options for customers looking to install multi-orbit solutions on larger aircraft and for those operating in regions where local regulation or licensing doesn’t permit the use of specific connectivity solutions. A business jet operator in such a region might opt for a Gogo Plane Simple antenna connecting with Viasat’s Jet ConneX or FlexExec from SES or even combine a Gogo Plane Simple system with Gogo Galileo.
We’ve made it our mission at Gogo to deliver reliable, secure broadband connectivity globally. Now, we’re strengthening that commitment with financial flexibility too. Spreading the cost of installation and service over three years, with no upfront capital expense, helps businesses grow while affordably delivering the connectivity today’s passengers expect.
BlueSky Business Aviation News | 16th July 2026 | Issue #851
