Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Gogo Business Aviation is a provider of in-flight broadband Internet service and other connectivity services for business aircraft.

A jury returned a verdict in the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2022-03-01/smartsky-turns-courts-block-gogos-5g-service">patent lawsuit</a> filed by SmartSky Networks against Gogo on Friday, awarding SmartSky $22.7 million in damages for willful infringement of SmartSky’s patents. Gogo operates an air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity network in the continental U.S. and parts of Canada, and SmartSky launched a competing ATG network that failed to gain traction and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-08-16/smartsky-shuts-down-connectivity-network">shut down</a> in August 2024. In October, Apcela, which built the ATG ground network for SmartSky and acquired SmartSky assets, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-10-14/smartsky-resurrected-apcela-atg">relaunched</a> the service as Apcela ATG.
The 2022 lawsuit accused Gogo of infringing on patents surrounding beamforming handoff, unlicensed band beamforming handoff, horizon-oriented architecture, and harmonious spectrum reuse. At the time, SmartSky also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to halt Gogo from making, using, or selling its 5G service while the patent lawsuit made its way through the courts.
Gogo is about to launch its 5G service after lengthy delays due to problems sourcing key microchips needed for the airborne equipment. In a statement about the jury verdict, Gogo said, “While we disagree with today’s verdict, it has no impact on our operations or the pending launch of our 5G service. As we work to resolve this matter fully, Gogo remains committed to delivering multi-orbit, multi-band in-flight connectivity technology and creating long-term value for our stakeholders.”
Gogo indicated that it disagrees with the outcome of the trial and plans to appeal. “From the outset, we have maintained that Gogo’s independently developed 5G technology does not infringe SmartSky’s asserted patents, and their claims of patent protection are invalid. We believe that the evidence supports our conclusion and that this litigation is an attempt to stifle legitimate competition and innovation in the aviation connectivity industry.&nbsp;We have strong grounds for appeal on both liability and damages, and we will vigorously pursue all available legal remedies, including post-trial motions and appeals.”
Apcela CEO Mark Casey told AIN, “The Apcela acquisition of the SmartSky ATG network includes a worldwide license to these same key patents. We are obviously pleased that the validity of these patents has been upheld, particularly relative to Gogo’s 5G plans.”
Blackrock is the major creditor for SmartSky, and if the verdict holds, it will be repaid, with any remaining proceeds going to unsecured creditors, Casey explained.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Gogo Loses SmartSky Lawsuit, Plans To Appeal $23 Million Verdict

Complaint was filed in 2022 and is related to Gogo's 5G network

Blackrock is the major creditor for SmartSky, and if the verdict holds, it will be repaid, with any remaining proceeds going to unsecured creditors. 

Gogo Loses SmartSky Lawsuit, Plans To Appeal $23M Award

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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