Q&A with Jim Zanino

To best address the topic of Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite Wi-Fi, we have asked Jim Zanino to break down the essentials. Jim got his start in aviation as a Navy Flight Officer (NFO). He coupled that military experience with degrees in aerospace and aeronautical engineering, which led him to a career in business aviation. With nearly 25 years in the industry, Jim is passionate about aviation, inflight connectivity, and its future with Gogo Galileo. 

We chatted with Jim about LEO satellite internet and Gogo Galileo to learn more about this new connectivity solution.

Q: What is LEO satellite internet? 

A: Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites are new satellites that are smaller, cheaper, and closer to the Earth than traditional geosynchronous (GEO) satellites.  By leveraging the latest technologies, they allow for faster connectivity and better two-way communication for activities that require quick response time. 

Q: What is Gogo Galileo? 

A: Gogo Galileo is our LEO satellite solution for private aircraft. It delivers truly global, high-speed internet with best-in-class performance on any airframe. You can fully trust Gogo Galileo. It is an enterprise grade inflight connectivity solution built for business aviation, by business aviation professionals. 

Q: How does LEO satellite internet for business aviation change the status quo? 

A: LEO satellites significantly increase the speed of and capacity for connectivity in the market.  With Gogo Galileo, we will deliver “home like” internet connectivity for the first time in an aircraft.  Video conferencing, cloud-based collaboration, and more is now available for business aircraft of any size. 

Q: What are the benefits of LEO satellite internet for pilots? 

A: LEO satellite Wi-Fi provides increased utility for pilots. For example, having a high-speed data connection increases weather awareness, which ultimately leads to safer flying. Prior to landing, inflight connectivity also gives pilots the ability to coordinate arrangements on the ground such as cars, catering, and other special requests. Inflight Wi-Fi also can help with trouble shooting maintenance issues, like prepositioning equipment for a quick turn. As an additional benefit, it keeps the passengers happy, which means happy pilots too. 

Q: What does Gogo Galileo mean for business jets of all sizes and missions? 

A: Historically, global inflight connectivity was limited to larger aircraft because of the larger size and weight of the equipment. Gogo Galileo is a paradigm shift, delivering connectivity on any size business aircraft worldwide thanks to the smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective equipment involved.