Gogo, a leader in in-flight connectivity, and global satellite operator SES (Paris:SESG)(LuxX:SESG) today announced the signature of milestone capacity and ground support agreements to deliver Gogo broadband services aboard commercial airliners. Coverage includes commercial aircraft flying over the North Atlantic Ocean Region, Europe and the United States.

http://www.gogoair.com (Photo: Business Wire)

As part of the long-term deal covering more than six transponders of Ku-band capacity, three SES satellites will enable Gogo to expand its broadband offering in the sky to aircraft flying busy transatlantic routes. The SES-1 spacecraft will cover the continental U.S., while NSS-703 and its three powerful spot beams will reach across the North Atlantic and SES-4 will serve Europe. Gogo services aboard the NSS-703 satellite will be transitioned seamlessly by mid 2014 to the new SES-6 satellite, slated for launch next year.

Gogo has also contracted for teleport services delivered through three SES facilities in the U.S. and Europe. Two-way internet access will be delivered to Gogo customers via SES ground facilities in Woodbine, Maryland; Manassas, Virginia and Betzdorf, Luxembourg.

“Gogo is entering the all-important international air travel market and expanding our North American offering with SES,” said Gogo President and CEO Michael Small. “A trio of SES satellites will enable Gogo to provide reliable and seamless satellite coverage for our current airline partners on their international fleets,” he added. “We’ve tapped the best technology and expertise in the satellite business to ensure we can deliver high-quality services throughout the most important airline routes in the world.”

“Gogo and SES are proof positive that the sky is no longer the limit, as we strike an important mobility deal that ensures seamless internet access for air passengers travelling some of the busiest routes in the world,” said Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer for SES. “Gogo has trusted SES to provide both the capacity and network support to enable its expansion over America and the exciting entry into the crucial North Atlantic Region and Europe. We look forward to playing a key role in this important communications advancement in global airline travel.”

Gogo is set to initiate its international internet services on Delta Air Lines in the first quarter of 2013.

About the satellites

SES-1 provides full 50-state North American coverage in C- and Ku-band to deliver a host of communications services. SES-1 also carries video channels that are part of a prime cable neighbourhood. SES-4 provides enhanced coverage over the Americas, Africa and Europe. It is ideal for video distribution, government, VSAT and maritime services. SES-6 is scheduled for launch in 2013 to provide significant capacity expansion. The satellite’s Ku-band payload will support DTH platforms, VSAT services and government digital inclusion programmes throughout Latin America. The C-band payload will add incremental capacity to support channel growth. NSS-703 opens up a whole new orbital slot at 47 degrees West to provide C- and Ku-band inclined capacity over the Atlantic Ocean Region. NSS-703 provides cost-effective capacity supporting GSM backhaul, trunking and VSAT and maritime networks.

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 the Gogo exclusive network and services, passengers with laptops and other Wi-Fi enabled devices can get online on more than 1,600 commercial aircraft including all domestic mainline Delta Air Lines and nearly all of Delta’s regional jets; all AirTran Airways and Virgin America flights; and select Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways flights.

Back on the ground, Gogo’s 500+ employees in Itasca, IL, Broomfield, CO and London 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.

Follow SES on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SES_Satellites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SES.YourSatelliteCompany

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SESVideoChannel

Blog: http://en.ses.com/4243715/blog

About SES

SES is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of 52 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide.

SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the broadcasting industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements.

SES (Paris:SESG)(LuxX:SESG) holds participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico, as well as a strategic participation in satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. Further information under: www.ses.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20121219005479/en/