This article is based on an official press release from RoyalJet and Edése Doret Industrial Design.

RoyalJet Selects Edése Doret to Design Interiors for New ACJ320neo Fleet

RoyalJet, the Abu Dhabi-based leader in premium private aviation, has awarded a significant contract to New York-based Edése Doret Industrial Design (EDID) to create bespoke interiors for three new Airbus ACJ320neo aircraft. This agreement marks the third major collaboration between the two companies, reinforcing a partnership aimed at redefining the ultra-luxury charter market.

According to the company announcement, the project will focus on a specific thematic vision: an “Emirati Identity of Timeless, Elegant, Sophisticated Modernity.” The design is intended to blend cultural homage with advanced aviation technology, catering to RoyalJet’s elite clientele, which includes heads of state and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

A Vision of “Elevated Sophistication”

The core of the new contract involves transforming the “Melody” cabin of the ACJ320neo, known for being the widest and tallest in its class, into a sanctuary that balances functionality with high-end luxury. EDID, a boutique firm known for unconventional and technically complex aircraft interiors, has been tasked with delivering a “flying lounge” experience.

Key elements of the design brief include:

• Cultural Integration: Interiors that reflect the heritage of the UAE while maintaining global appeal.
• Wellness-Centric Lighting: Advanced lighting systems designed to mitigate jet lag and enhance passenger well-being.
• Bespoke Configuration: Unique layouts featuring private meeting spaces, quiet zones, and spacious lounge areas utilizing the ACJ320neo’s 90 square meters of floor space.

Edése Doret, the founder of EDID, emphasized the unique nature of this project in a statement regarding the partnership.

“Our vision for these new ACJ320neo aircraft is to deliver an unparalleled elevated passenger experience that reflects the essence of Emirati identity of timeless, elegant, sophisticated modernity which is perfectly tailored to RoyalJet’s elite clientele.”

, Edése Doret, Founder of EDID

Strategic Fleet Diversification

While RoyalJet is historically recognized as the world’s largest operator of Boeing Business Jets (BBJs), this move to commission interiors for three Airbus ACJ320neo aircraft signals a strategic diversification of their fleet. The ACJ320neo offers distinct advantages, including improved fuel efficiency and an intercontinental range of approximately 6,000 nautical miles, capable of connecting Abu Dhabi non-stop to major hubs like London or Tokyo.

Paul de Salis, CEO of RoyalJet, noted that the addition of these aircraft is central to the operator’s expansion strategy.

“The ACJ320neo will enable Royal Jet Group to expand their product offering, surpassing the already sophisticated and discerning service experienced by our customers… Our partnership with Edése Doret Industrial Design fits perfectly with our core brand values of elevated sophistication and timeless elegance.”

, Paul de Salis, CEO of RoyalJet

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to integrate the ACJ320neo into a predominantly Boeing fleet suggests RoyalJet is prioritizing operational flexibility alongside luxury. The ACJ320neo’s lower cabin altitude and fuel-efficient engines align with a broader industry trend toward sustainability and passenger comfort on long-haul flights. By retaining EDID, who previously designed RoyalJet’s award-winning BBJs, the operator ensures design continuity across mixed airframes, maintaining a consistent brand identity even as the underlying hardware evolves.

Operational Excellence and Timeline

The collaboration also highlights the technical synergy between the operator and the design firm. Husham Osman, VP of Technical Services at RoyalJet, stated that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to “delivering the highest standards of luxury, cultural nuance, and operational excellence.”

The design contract was announced in late December 2025. Once completed, these aircraft will join the RoyalJet fleet, offering VVIP charter configurations that provide significantly more space than standard business jets.

Sources:
Zawya (Press Release)

Gogo Business Aviation Officially Launches 5G Network, Commercial Service Begins January 2026

Gogo Business Aviation has officially confirmed the launch of its 5G air-to-ground (ATG) network, marking a significant milestone in North American inflight connectivity. According to a company press release issued on December 29, 2025, the network has successfully completed flight testing and validation. While the infrastructure is now live, commercial service is scheduled to commence in January 2026.

The new network represents a major performance leap for the provider, designed to address the increasing bandwidth demands of business aviation. Gogo states that the 5G service will offer peak download speeds exceeding 80 Mbps, with average speeds expected to hover around 25 Mbps. This rollout targets the contiguous United States and Southern Canada, utilizing a hybrid spectrum strategy to ensure consistent coverage and throughput.

In a statement regarding the launch, Gogo leadership emphasized the strategic importance of this deployment. With 450 aircraft already pre-provisioned with the necessary hardware, the company anticipates a rapid activation of services in the first quarter of 2026. The launch customer has already been onboarded, signaling that the system is ready for wider adoption.

Technical Specifications and Hardware Requirements

The Gogo 5G network utilizes a proprietary mix of licensed and unlicensed spectrum to achieve its performance targets. By employing “Channel Bonding,” the system combines 4 MHz of licensed spectrum in the 800 MHz band, which provides reliability and redundancy, with unlicensed spectrum in the 2.423 GHz to 2.475 GHz range. This hybrid approach allows for higher bandwidth while maintaining a robust connection.

Interference Mitigation

Crucially, the specific frequency range selected by Gogo avoids the interference issues that have complicated commercial 5G C-band rollouts near airports. The system operates well outside the 4.0–4.2 GHz range used by radar altimeters, ensuring safety and compliance without the need for complex mitigation strategies often required for consumer cellular networks.

The AVANCE LX5 Platform

To access the network, operators will utilize the AVANCE LX5, a single-box Line Replaceable Unit (LRU). This hardware replaces the older L5 unit and serves as the primary upgrade path for both new and existing customers. The system requires dual belly-mounted MB13 antennas. According to the technical specifications released, the LX5 simplifies installation compared to previous iterations that might have required separate modules.

“The new 5G AVANCE system is evidence of our culture of continuous improvement… LX5 expands our AVANCE product portfolio with a single box option for customers, making the installation of Gogo 5G even easier.”

— Sergio Aguirre, President & COO, Gogo Business Aviation

Market Readiness and Pricing

Gogo has prepared for this transition by securing Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for a wide range of airframes. The company reports that 33 STCs have been contracted, with 28 already completed, covering a total addressable market of approximately 7,500 aircraft. This regulatory groundwork allows for immediate installation on most major business jet models.

Pricing for the new service reflects its premium positioning. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the AVANCE LX5 hardware is approximately $141,500, excluding installation. Monthly service plans are structured as follows:

• Unlimited + Streaming: Approximately $8,000 per month.
• Unlimited (Non-Streaming): Approximately $5,195 per month.
• Entry-Level Capped Plans: Starting around $3,500 per month for 25GB.

“We talk a lot about milestones, and this is really an exceptional one for Gogo. While we have had delays, we are now focused on delivering a brand-new broadband ATG service to our customers that will satisfy data-hungry flyers within North America.”

— Chris Moore, CEO, Gogo Business Aviation

AirPro News Analysis

The launch of Gogo 5G comes at a critical juncture for the inflight connectivity market. The primary competitor, SpaceX’s Starlink, has disrupted the sector with high-speed, low-latency global coverage via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. However, Gogo retains distinct advantages for specific segments of the market.

First, the form factor is decisive. Starlink and other satellite-based solutions typically require a radome installed on top of the fuselage. For smaller airframes, such as light jets and turboprops, these radomes can create significant drag or may simply be too large to install. Gogo’s belly-mounted antennas are far less invasive, preserving the aerodynamics and aesthetics of smaller Commercial-Aircraft.

Second, the installation cost for Gogo’s ATG system is generally lower than that of satellite systems, and the company benefits from a massive, established dealer network familiar with the hardware. By bundling the 5G domestic service with their upcoming “Gogo Galileo” LEO satellite product, Gogo aims to offer a “multi-orbit” solution that competes on both domestic speed and global reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Gogo 5G be available for my aircraft?
Commercial service begins in January 2026. If your aircraft is one of the 450 already pre-provisioned, you can activate service immediately. For others, STCs are available for most major models.

Do I need to replace my existing Gogo hardware?
Yes. Accessing the 5G network requires the new AVANCE LX5 unit and MB13 antennas. Existing AVANCE L5 customers can perform a “box swap” to the LX5, which is designed to be a minor upgrade.

What speeds can I expect?
Gogo advertises peak download speeds exceeding 80 Mbps, with typical average speeds around 25 Mbps. Upload speeds are expected to exceed 20 Mbps.

Does this cover international flights?
The 5G ATG network covers the contiguous United States and Southern Canada. For global coverage, Gogo offers satellite-based solutions that can be bundled with the 5G plan.

Sources

• Gogo Business Aviation

Bridger Aerospace Acquires Six Aircraft to Bolster 2026 Firefighting Operations

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAER), a prominent provider of aerial firefighting services, has officially completed the acquisition of six additional Aircraft to expand its operational fleet. According to a company press release issued on December 30, 2025, the transaction includes two Canadair CL-215T Amphibious Aircraft, commonly known as “Super Scoopers”, and four Air Attack aircraft. This strategic move is designed to position the company for expanded federal contract awards ahead of the 2026 wildfire season.

The acquisition marks a significant consolidation of assets for the Belgrade, Montana-based company. By purchasing these aircraft, which were previously held by a joint venture or leased, Bridger Aerospace aims to secure long-term stability and enhance its capacity to respond to increasingly severe wildfire seasons. The company stated that the purchase of the two Super Scoopers was valued at $50 million, funded through a Senior Secured Term Loan Facility that closed earlier in October 2025.

Transaction Details and Fleet Expansion

The newly acquired assets were purchased from MAB Funding, LLC, a joint venture partnership involving Bridger Aerospace, Marathon Asset Management LP, and Eyre Street Capital. The transaction officially closed on December 30, 2025.

Super Scooper Acquisition

The centerpiece of this deal involves two Canadair CL-215T Amphibious Aircraft. These specialized water bombers are capable of scooping water from lakes or oceans without returning to base, a critical capability for sustained fire suppression. With this purchase, Bridger Aerospace increases its owned fleet of Super Scoopers from six to eight, reinforcing its status as the largest private operator of such aircraft globally.

According to the company, the $50 million purchase price for these two aircraft was financed via its $210 million credit facility. These specific airframes are often referred to as “Spanish Super Scoopers” because they were originally acquired from the Spanish government before being retrofitted and maintained by Bridger.

Air Attack Fleet Growth

In addition to the heavy tankers, Bridger acquired four Air Attack aircraft. These planes, typically Pilatus PC-12 or Daher Kodiak 100 models, serve as the “quarterbacks” of the sky. They do not drop water but are essential for coordinating aerial traffic and guiding heavy tankers to their targets.

The press release notes that two of these four aircraft were previously leased by Bridger and were already on Contracts during the 2025 season. Bringing them onto the company’s balance sheet is intended to reduce leasing costs and secure the assets for long-term use. The Air Attack fleet now stands at 11 aircraft dedicated to surveillance and tactical coordination.

Strategic Focus: The 2026 Wildfire Season

Bridger Aerospace explicitly linked this acquisition to its Strategy for the upcoming 2026 fire season. By owning these assets outright, the company is better positioned to bid for “Exclusive Use” (EU) contracts with the United States Forest Service (USFS). Unlike “Call-When-Needed” contracts, which operate on an on-demand basis, EU contracts provide guaranteed revenue for a set period, offering greater financial predictability.

In the press release, Bridger Aerospace CEO Sam Davis emphasized the operational importance of the deal:

“The addition of these aircraft positions Bridger to better fulfill our mission to protect lives, property, and the environment in 2026… We are confident in the potential for these aircraft to generate additional revenue and cash flow growth.”

Technical Capabilities

The Canadair CL-215T models acquired in this transaction are turbine-powered upgrades of the original piston-engine CL-215. According to technical specifications referenced in industry reports, these aircraft can scoop approximately 1,412 gallons (5,345 liters) of water in just 12 seconds. The turbine engines provide improved safety and performance in mountainous terrain compared to older piston variants.

AirPro News Analysis

This acquisition represents a shift in Bridger Aerospace’s financial structure, moving from an “asset-light” leasing model for certain airframes to an “asset-heavy” ownership model. While this increases the company’s debt load, specifically utilizing the $210 million term loan, it eliminates lease payments and grants Bridger full control over the assets.

Control is the key variable here. Federal agencies like the USFS often prioritize contractors who can guarantee asset availability. By owning the “Spanish Super Scoopers” outright, Bridger removes the risk of lease expirations or partner disputes, making them a more reliable partner for multi-year government contracts. Investors will likely be watching the next earnings call to see if this capital expenditure translates directly into the coveted Exclusive Use task orders for 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a “Super Scooper”?

A Super Scooper is an amphibious aircraft designed specifically for aerial firefighting. It can skim the surface of a body of water to refill its tanks in seconds, allowing it to make repeated drops on a fire without returning to an airport to reload.

How was the purchase funded?

The $50 million for the two Super Scoopers was funded through Bridger’s $210 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility. The four Air Attack aircraft were purchased using cash on hand and an initial draw on the same credit facility.

Does Bridger Aerospace operate outside the US?

While the company is based in Montana and focuses heavily on US federal contracts, the mobility of its fleet allows it to respond to wildfires across North-America and potentially internationally, depending on contract arrangements.

Sources

• Bridger Aerospace Press Release