News Release

K5-Aviation ahead of curve with Europe’s first 2Ku-equipped business aircraft

K5-Aviation, a leading German-based operator of Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) aircraft, has announced the first airframe in business aviation in Europe equipped with Gogo’s 2Ku advanced connectivity technology, marking a significant breakthrough for the company.

"This is a milestone for K5-Aviation, because it brings the most advanced satellite-based internet technology to our cabin, enabling our passengers to stay connected almost anywhere we fly around the globe,” says Luca Madone of K5-Aviation. “In-flight productivity will increase dramatically with 2Ku, which will allow our passengers to stay connected and drive their business forward, even when traveling. This includes the ability to enjoy live video conferencing, fast web browsing and streaming video."

“K5 is known as a leading-edge company in the industry and connectivity is one of our top priorities for our customers,” says K5’s Erik Scheidt. “When it came to a connectivity solution, we needed to be ahead of the curve with the fastest system available, which is why we chose Gogo’s 2Ku.”

Scheidt adds that the 2Ku system also seamlessly integrates into K5’s state of the art cabin entertainment and management system from AlsterAero. The AlsterAero system is so advanced that it did not need any modification to support the bandwidth provided by Gogo’s 2Ku.

2Ku is a unique dual antenna system developed by Gogo to bring global streaming-capable internet to large aircraft. The technology benefits from global coverage and the redundancy of more than 180 satellites in the Ku-band. It is also compatible with newer, high-throughput and low-earth orbit satellites when they become available. This means the technology is future-ready and will get better in time without having to touch an aircraft. Another important feature of the Gogo 2Ku technology is the unique flat antenna, creating less drag and therefore producing no noise in the cabin.

Fokker Services B.V. managed the 2Ku installation design and system integration, including the EASA STC.

K5 specializes in large business aircraft, such as Airbus Corporate Jets, and ultra-long-range jets from Bombardier’s Global family. The company operates three Airbus ACJ319 and two Bombardier Global Express aircraft worldwide, with another ACJ319neo and a Global 7000 on order for delivery in 2019.

“We are not looking to grow dramatically, because we want to remain a boutique company, focused on quality, not quantity,” Madone continues. “Our aim is to be the best when it comes to ultra-long range and VIP airliner type aircraft. The installation of 2Ku is another milestone in K5’s endeavor to be the market leader in its segment.”