By Bill Forbes – Senior Vice President of Avionics and Business Development
Connectivity in the cabin is no longer a luxury. It is part of the operational toolkit for flight crews, mission planners, and passengers. Operators must evaluate more than headline speeds. They must consider coverage, latency, certification, and STC availability, installation complexity, weight, service economics, and the real on-board experience for video calls, large file transfers, weather and routing data, and routine web browsing.
This article walks through the options most operators are evaluating today: Gogo AVANCE L3, Gogo AVANCE L5, Gogo Galileo (Gogo’s LEO offering), Gogo C1, and Starlink Aviation. For each system, we’ll cover technical characteristics, where it fits best, installation and certification considerations, typical performance, cost drivers, and operational tradeoffs. The goal is to give operators enough detail to make an informed next step with their maintenance provider, avionics shop, or fleet manager.
How to compare Wi-Fi systems
Before the system deep dives, set a framework. The right choice depends on the mission.
- Coverage. Do you fly mostly inside continental North America, or do you need global overwater and polar coverage? Coverage drives whether you rely on air-to-ground, geostationary satellites, low-earth orbit satellites, or a multi-bearer/balanced approach.
- Latency. For high-quality video conferencing and interactive apps, low latency matters. LEO constellations generally beat geostationary satellites in latency. Air-to-ground has low latency while in coverage.
- Throughput and contention. Peak download numbers matter less than sustained per-user experience during peak cabin use. Pay attention to multi-user behavior and how the provider shapes traffic.
- Certification and STC readiness. An available STC for your airframe shortens the timeline and reduces certification cost.
- Installation impact. Weight, drag, and the number and size of external antennas affect aircraft performance and maintenance access.
- Economics. Beyond equipment cost, monthly service plans, data buckets, roaming and international adders, and realistic usage patterns determine TCO.
- Support and upgrades. Remote diagnostic tools, over-the-air updates, and vendor support matter for uptime and long-term value.
With that framework, here is a system-by-system view.
Gogo AVANCE L3
What it is
Gogo AVANCE L3 is the company’s entry-level AVANCE platform solution that leverages Gogo’s air-to-ground network for primarily continental North America coverage. It is designed to be a low-cost, lower-weight option that supports light jets and turboprops with modest device counts. The L3 platform is aimed at operators who want reliable email, light browsing, and non-streaming on domestic routes.
Technical profile
L3 uses Gogo’s AVANCE server/router architecture and ATG antennas mounted on the fuselage. The hardware is compact and available in form factors compatible with many small airframes. It supports typical in-cabin Wi-Fi 802.11 networks and allows Gogo’s service plans and software features. For operators who only need connectivity inside North America and in main air corridors, L3 is a cost-efficient fit.
Performance and experience
Expect adequate speeds for email and web browsing. Peak speeds are modest compared with satellite options, and performance is tied to coverage. When flying over areas without ground towers or outside the ATG footprint, connectivity will drop unless the aircraft has an additional global option. Gogo’s pricing for L3 is positioned to be affordable for smaller operators.
Best use cases
Operators that fly mostly within the United States and Canada under typical air routes, with light to moderate in-flight internet demands, and where lower equipment and installation costs matter.
Tradeoffs
L3 is not a global solution. It is ATG-dependent. If your operation requires reliable oceanic or polar coverage, L3 alone will not meet expectations.
Gogo AVANCE L5
What it is
AVANCE L5 is Gogo’s premium AVANCE offering for business aviation. It combines an upgraded AVANCE server/router, advanced dual-band Wi-Fi, and multi-bearer capability that can include terrestrial and satellite links. L5 is designed for higher device counts, light streaming, and enterprise-class cabin use.
Technical profile
L5 includes a more powerful LRU and dual-band 802.11ac in-cabin Wi-Fi. The system supports multi-bearer data management, meaning it can combine or switch between ATG, LEO satellite, or other backhaul options where available. L5 is heavier and larger than L3 but built for sustained throughput and better in-cabin performance.
Performance and experience
When matched with an appropriate backhaul (for example, Gogo Galileo LEO), L5 can deliver light streaming and larger file transfers. L5 supports richer cabin experiences and more simultaneous devices.
Best use cases
Larger business jets and operators who need a premium cabin experience, want to support streaming, and who fly outside North America enough to warrant a LEO or satellite backup.
Tradeoffs
Higher equipment and installation costs than L3, and the best experience requires selecting the right backhaul option for your route structure.
Gogo Galileo (Gogo’s LEO solution)
What it is
Gogo Galileo is Gogo’s LEO satellite-based service that provides global broadband through partnerships with LEO constellation operators. It was developed to give business aviation high-speed, low-latency global connectivity, and it integrates with Gogo AVANCE platforms. Gogo positions Galileo as an enterprise LEO solution for mobility customers.
Technical profile
Galileo uses a fuselage or roof-mounted directional antenna designed for aircraft mobility and a LEO modem. Gogo offers antenna variants like HDX and FDX to support higher throughput scenarios and aircraft types. The Galileo solution is paired with AVANCE routers to manage in-cabin Wi-Fi, traffic shaping, and diagnostics. Gogo markets Galileo as designed for 4k streaming, high-quality conferencing, and enterprise-level use.
Performance and experience
LEO satellites typically provide much lower latency than geostationary satellites. Operators can expect faster page loads and more reliable video conferencing. Gogo advertises multi-megabit sustained throughput per user and the ability to support many devices depending on the antenna and plan. Real life performance depends on antenna type, constellation load, and regional coverage at flight altitude.
Best use cases
Operators that need near global coverage, regularly fly over oceanic or remote routes, or want to support heavy streaming on long flights. Galileo is attractive to those who want an integrated solution with Gogo’s AVANCE platform and fleet support.
Tradeoffs
Galileo adds antenna and modem weight, and cost increases with higher throughput antennas and service plans. STC availability for your specific airframe is a gating item to installation speed.
Gogo C1
What it is
Gogo C1 is a cost-effective, form-fit replacement for legacy Gogo ATG systems such as ATG 1000, 2000, 4000, and 5000. It is designed to preserve the footprint and tray locations of older systems so that operators can modernize with minimal downtime. C1 provides the familiar ATG experience with modernized hardware and features.
Technical profile
C1 is built to aviation design standards and is compact. It is intended as a simple upgrade path from legacy ATG systems and supports typical cabin needs such as email, light web, and voice. Its design allows the reuse of existing tray mounts, which reduces installation time and cost.
Performance and experience
C1 is a pragmatic upgrade when you want to maintain your existing ATG coverage behavior but need updated hardware. It is not a replacement for global satellite connectivity or high-bandwidth LEO systems. Expect similar coverage limitations to legacy ATG, with improved supportability and modern interfaces.
Best use cases
Operators with legacy Gogo ATG systems who want a short, low-cost upgrade path that keeps their current coverage footprint while improving reliability and modernizing the onboard hardware.
Tradeoffs
C1 will not solve oceanic or polar coverage gaps. If you plan to expand your global footprint, C1 should be considered alongside a LEO or hybrid plan.
Starlink Aviation
What it is
Starlink Aviation is SpaceX’s aviation offering built on the Starlink LEO satellite constellation. It has been adopted by a growing list of airlines and business aviation operators for its high throughput, low latency, and global reach. Starlink has engineered aviation-specific terminals and Aero terminals intended for certified installations on jets and turboprops.
Technical profile
Starlink Aviation uses electronically steered phased array antennas and SpaceX’s LEO mesh network to deliver high data rates, low latency, and wide coverage, including over oceans and polar routes. The Aero Terminal hardware is larger than typical small GA antennas, but recent revisions and STCs have improved the fit for many business aircraft. Starlink emphasizes support for heavy streaming and enterprise traffic. Its global mesh and optical inter-satellite links also reduce reliance on ground stations for remote route coverage.
Performance and experience
Independent reports and industry surveys show Starlink download speeds often in the tens to hundreds of Mbps, with latency low enough for reliable video calls and interactive apps. Airlines and operators using Starlink report strong passenger satisfaction. The experience depends on the terminal, aircraft installation, and plan selected. Starlink is rapidly scaling certified installations and STCs for many aircraft types. Recent FAA approvals and airline rollouts confirm growing regulatory acceptance.
Best use cases
Operators that need true global coverage, frequent long overwater flights, reliable enterprise connectivity, and a passenger experience comparable to ground broadband.
Tradeoffs
The Aero Terminal size, weight, and installation profile are larger than simple ATG antennas. Installation cost and structural work for a roof-mounted terminal can be higher. Pricing for high usage can be meaningful for some flight departments, depending on data plan selection. STC availability by airframe and FAA approvals are improving rapidly, but checking the current STC status for your type is essential.
Practical decision guide for operators
- Domestic short hops inside North America, low device counts, budget prioritized
- Consider Gogo AVANCE L3 or C1 if you need a direct, low-cost ATG path and do not require oceanic coverage. L3 gives a modern AVANCE experience. C1 is ideal if you have a legacy ATG footprint and want minimal downtime.
- Heavy streaming and connectivity both inside North America and globally
- Starlink or Galileo delivers very high throughput and are increasingly STC-supported on many airframes. Evaluate antenna size and certification for your type.
- Fleet modernization with minimal downtime and cost sensitivity
- Use Gogo C1 as a staged modernization while planning a later LEO upgrade. C1 preserves existing installations and avoids heavy structural work.
- Operators that fly long overwater routes, polar routes, or multiple continents
- Prioritize LEO solutions. Starlink and Gogo Galileo are the two LEO paths to evaluate. Consider global plans, roaming rules, and guaranteed service levels. Ensure STCs and installation providers are available for your aircraft model.
Installation, certification, and STC considerations
- STC readiness. Always confirm whether the vendor or an authorized dealer has a Supplemental Type Certificate for your specific airframe and for the desired antenna model. STC availability can materially shorten retrofit timelines.
- Aerodynamics and drag. Roof or fuselage mounted antennas add drag and can change weight and balance. Work with the installer to confirm structural reinforcement and to minimize aerodynamic penalty.
- Wiring and systems integration. High throughput installations often require power considerations, cooling for LRUs, and integration with in-cockpit avionics for operations like real-time weather and FMS data updates. AVANCE systems include tools for remote diagnostics and OTA updates that reduce maintenance cycles.
- Weight and balance paperwork. Every modification requires weight and balance updates. Antenna choice and LRU location matter. Factor these engineering steps into the schedule.
- Electromagnetic compatibility. Ensure the system meets the aircraft electrical and EMI requirements and that avionics separation rules are observed.
Economics: what to expect
- Equipment and installation. Entry L3 or C1 packages can be lower cost up front. L5, Galileo, and Starlink Aero Terminal options generally increase hardware and installation costs. The presence or absence of an STC affects shop hours and therefore, cost. Expect a wide cost spread based on aircraft size, number of antennas, and structural modifications.
- Service plans. Gogo and Starlink both offer tiered service plans. Gogo historically had hourly and monthly plans for business aviation and various data buckets. Starlink business pricing is typically higher for unlimited or high usage plans, but offers much higher throughput. For operators, the right plan depends on passenger behavior. Industry reporting shows LEO plans can range from modest per-flight charges to several thousand dollars per month for enterprise unlimited plans, depending on fleet size and usage. Plan fine print matters: caps, priority tiers, roaming, and support levels.
- Total cost of ownership. When calculating TCO, include installation, recurring service fees, expected data usage, downtime risk, and potential revenue or operational gains (for example better on-board productivity or the ability to run live operational apps that reduce fuel or routing costs).
Real operator questions and how to answer them
- We need in-flight video conferencing for five people simultaneously. What do we choose?
A. For reliable video conferencing for multiple simultaneous users, prioritize a LEO solution with an enterprise antenna sized for higher throughput. Ensure the in-cabin Wi-Fi is dual-band and that traffic shaping favors conferencing. - We fly regional routes inside the US and do occasional coast-to-coast trips. Is L3 enough?
A. If you rarely go beyond ATG coverage and you want to control costs, L3 can be adequate. For regular cross-continent or oceanic legs, plan for a LEO option. - How long to replace a legacy ATG system with C1?
A. C1 is specifically designed to be a form-fit replacement for older ATG LRUs and trays. That reduces installation time and cost, so the downtime window is typically shorter than a full LEO retrofit. Exact shop times depend on the aircraft and STC availability.
Recommendations and next steps for operators
- Map your mission. Quantify typical routes, percent overwater, typical passenger device counts, and priority applications such as video conferencing or live streaming. This will filter options quickly.
- Request STC lists. Ask vendors for STC lists and ask your preferred MRO or avionics shop about their experience with the specific antenna for your airframe. STC status changes rapidly. Confirm current availability.
- Run a pilot. If possible, test a flight with a demo terminal on your aircraft type or fly an aircraft equipped with the candidate system. Real user testing is the fastest way to validate expectations.
- Price the full TCO. Get detailed quotes for equipment, installation, wiring, and structural work, plus three years of service to compare real economics.
- Consider a staged approach. For many operators, the right path is incremental: modernize legacy ATG with C1 or L3 now, then add LEO or move to L5 plus Galileo/Starlink as budgets and mission patterns justify.
Closing: choosing for operations, not marketing
Connectivity is no longer a single checkbox. It is a capability that touches safety, operations, revenue, and passenger experience. The best technical solution is the one that aligns with your mission, certification needs, and budget while giving predictable performance for the real apps your crew and passengers use.
If you would like, Elliott Aviation can help with mission mapping, STC checks for your specific airframe, and installation planning. We have hands-on experience with Gogo AVANCE systems and Starlink installs across multiple airframes and can provide cost estimates, expected downtime, and an installation timeline tailored to your fleet.
About the Author:
Bill Forbes is the Senior Vice President of Avionics Programs and Business Development for Elliott Aviation. Bill has been with Elliott since 2018. He started his career in aviation as a crew chief in the Air Force in 1985. He has been associated with Beechcraft Aircraft and Service Centers since 1996. He has been involved in avionics sales and management since 2003 and has been involved in several STC projects with Collins, Honeywell, and Garmin before joining Elliott Aviation. You can reach him at bforbes@elliottaviation.com.
