If you’ve ever tried to use in-flight internet, you’ll know that it’s often a very spotty service, at best, and the experience is rarely great. Yet, people rely on it for getting work done while in transit. Airbus is trying to create a better experience for them.
A pioneer for sustainable aerospace, Airbus launched its new flexible satellite connectivity solution for airlines, Airspace Link HBCplus that will allow airlines to connect to a choice of MSPs through a certified terminal and radome built as part of the aircraft.
This solution will enable the exchange of data as one integrated aircraft system and is positioned to unlock future digital services capacity and demand growth, allowing airlines to deliver top passenger connectivity experience within a growing market.
“We are excited to offer airlines a new connectivity service solution that will provide improved speed and reliability for passenger experience and more flexibility, said Andre Schneider, Airbus vice president, cabin and cargo program. “Together with our leading industry partners we are pleased to enable future connectivity business opportunities in the context of the Airspace Link open ecosystem.”
Airbus selected Inmarsat (News - Alert) as the first MSP. With close to 30 years of experience as a pioneering aviation services provider, Inmarsat will contribute its GX Aviation in-flight broadband solution that will offer a reliable passenger experience with global coverage.
“We are honored that Airbus has chosen Inmarsat as the first managed service provider for this transformative connectivity catalogue solution and is putting its trust in our award-winning GX Aviation service across all of its aircraft programs,” said Philippe Carette, Inmarsat president. “Inmarsat looks forward to working closely with our partners Airbus and SPI to deliver continuous innovation for airlines and their passengers worldwide.”
Airbus also selected Safran Passenger Innovations as the terminal provider and hardware integrator of ThinKom’s antenna technology that is targeted for Ka-band services that deliver high data throughput and reliability combined with aircraft fuel savings because of the antenna’s lower drag radome.
“We are excited to be a part of the next evolution in the IFC industry by providing the technology for airlines to select the connectivity services most suited to their needs,” said Matt Smith, CEO, Safran Passenger Innovations. “We look forward to working with Airbus and our partners on this industry-changing endeavor.”
Edited by
Erik Linask
