Connectivity provider Gogo Business Aviation has named the organisations to receive the company's highest dealer honour for 2018: the Gogo Business Aviation 51,000 Five. The award recognises the highest-performing organisations in the company's global dealer and distributor network, as chosen by the Gogo executive team.

Recipients of the 51,000 Five award for 2018 are Dassault Aviation, Duncan Aviation, Gulfstream, Textron Aviation and West Star Aviation.

“Our dealer partners are a key part of our success,” says VP of aftermarket sales David Salvador. “They not only provide great service but understand how important it is that our mutual customers have a good experience before, during and after their inflight connectivity and entertainment system is installed.

Award selection is based on the dealer's demonstrated commitment to helping customers get the most out of in-flight connectivity, as well as their technical expertise, sales performance and other factors. Representing a pinnacle of achievement for a Gogo Business Aviation dealer, the award's name was inspired by the highest altitude reached by aircraft in the business aviation industry: 51,000 feet.

Textron Aviation was recognised for its expertise in installing connectivity systems. The OEM continues to be one of Gogo's top aftermarket partners with Gogo Avance system installations, recently achieving its 80th install since the system was released in 2017.

“Our customers use their aircraft to improve their productivity, schedule or bottom line,” says senior VP of global customer support Kriya Shortt. “Developing optimal solutions to install connectivity systems across a range of Textron Aviation products is one more way we have supported our customers in connecting with what matters; their work, loved ones and cherished pursuits.”

Textron Aviation has developed supplemental type certificates (STCs) for the Gogo Avance L5 system for the Cessna Citation X, Citation Sovereign, and Citation XL/XLS/XLS+. The STCs cover the wi-fi certification and full equipment and antenna installation required to provide in-flight connectivity. The company has developed and is awaiting approval on the STCs for the Cessna Citation Latitude, Citation Sovereign+ and Citation X+.

Gogo Avance L5 provides broadband internet for high-bandwidth activities such as streaming music, TV and movies, video conferencing and attachments with large files on demand.