Gogo, via its official 'Concourse' blog, stated (28-Aug-2018) the increased importance of inflight internet to drive an airline's digital transformation "creates a series of new strategic questions for airlines, including the decision to base your strategy on an open ecosystem". An open open ecosystem is broadly defined as having the ability to work with multiple vendors to reduce cycle times and create tailored solutions that differentiate the airline and delight passengers. Gogo noted that there is no generic solution for airlines, as how an airline approaches digital transformation is specific to its operations and brand. According to Gogo, the following considerations are key:
- Passenger services: The most important consideration is how much an airline wants to tailor the experience for passengers, and the trade off between innovation or using systems already in service. In an open ecosystem, airlines should have access to standardised, modular hardware that absorbs new technology and works with multiple systems from different vendors;
- Satellite network: The satellite network "most clearly distinguishes open versus closed" in any discussion of an inflight ecosystem. Reliance on one or two satellites to deliver coverage and capacity for all flights is, by definition, a closed system. This is the case on the Ka band. The alternative is an open and interoperable ecosystem of satellites on the Ku band;
- Support: An open inflight ecosystem incorporates key technologies from multiple providers, making it important to work with partners who are technology-agnostic and have a proven history of collaboration with related vendors. Specialisation in aviation is another important facet of support. [more - original PR]