Duncan Aviation installs and tests Gogo 5G on its own Citation Excel N1KD
Why It MattersThe trial signals growing operator confidence in 5G air-to-ground connectivity as certification paths mature across many business jet models ahead of wider adoption.
Duncan Aviation has installed a Gogo 5G air-to-ground connectivity system aboard its Citation Excel, registration N1KD, an aircraft the company uses to move vice presidents, managers, and team members between its full-service facilities and satellite locations. Before endorsing the system to customers, several Duncan Aviation managers and VPs flew the aircraft from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Houston, Texas, to test it, connecting 16 devices simultaneously to the Gogo 5G network while Manager Nate Klenke stayed in constant contact with Gogo representatives to share real-time feedback.
VP and General Counsel Kramer Lyons connected via VPN, downloaded documents, sent and received emails, and streamed audio during the flight. Business Development Manager for Duncan Aviation Satellites Bruno Mazzani tested YouTube, Instagram, Netflix, WhatsApp voice and video calls, and large PDF file transfers with no glitches, while Fleet Program Manager PK Duncan used the system on a separate two-hour flight on N1KD to manage emails, update schedules, and access Outlook and the company's internal myDuncan platform, saying connection speed and stability exceeded his expectations.
Gogo's 5G Air-to-Ground network covers the contiguous United States and parts of Canada. Duncan Aviation noted that equipment is currently available and that many business jet models already have certification paths ready for installation, and it operates full-service facilities in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah.
