Gogo built a network of cell towers on the ground that talked to airplanes overhead. Passengers on U.S. flights could pay for Wi-Fi in the air. Airlines installed the gear, and Gogo shared revenue with them. When Gogo filed to go public in 2013, it led in-flight internet, and getting online in the air was still a novelty for many travelers. Satellite rivals, though, promised faster service.

Aircell Wins the Airwaves

Gogo began in 1991 as Aircell, which made phones for private planes. In 2006 it won the auction for air-to-ground radio spectrum. That let it build its own network for commercial jets across the continental United States. The bet was that travelers would pay to stay online in the air. Gogo launched its service in 2008 on American Airlines flights.

Back to Private Jets

Gogo priced at $17 a share in June 2013. The stock rose, then fell as airlines moved to satellite service. In 2020 Gogo sold its commercial airline business to Intelsat and focused on business aviation. It moved its headquarters to Colorado. In 2024 it bought Satcom Direct to add satellite service for business jets. Gogo remains public and serves private jets.

Cover: Crane flying over wave, Utagawa Hiroshige. Art Institute of Chicago, public domain. Chosen for a crane in flight over the waves.