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.