Emirates is to become the launch customer for the Airspace Link HBCplus integrated broadband connectivity system, developed by Airbus. It will be followed by Ethiopian Airlines, which also confirmed it will purchase the product at the 2023 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg.
The satellite connectivity solution, first introduced in 2022, will be available on the Emirati carrier’s fifty new A350-900s. It will also be available on the Ethiopian company’s four new A350-1000s. The first aircraft equipped with the technology are scheduled for delivery from 2024.
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The Airbus Airspace Link HBCplus system
Airbus unveiled the Airspace Link HBCplus system at the previous edition of the world’s largest aircraft interiors event. At the time, it said the new tool would offer “unique flexibility for airlines’ connectivity needs”.
The company had chosen Safran Passenger Innovations as the supplier of Ka-band satellite frequency band terminals and antennas. Inmarsat was selected as the first managed service provider.
The HBCplus solution would allow its customers to connect to a selection of managed service providers (MSP) via a new certified terminal and an aircraft-integrated radome. In addition, Airbus planned to expand the technology to include providers offering Ku-band services in the near future.
Already in 2023, the European manufacturer initiated the development of a complementary product with the aim of expanding the offer of managed service providers. In this regard, the company announced that the latest version of the solution will operate in the Ku-band and use ESA (Electronically Steered Antenna) technology to enable simultaneous multi-beam operation.
Airbus noted that this development, which complements the initial product, will allow it to offer a more complete range of options to its customers. Operators will be able to access simultaneous GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit), MEO (Medium Earth Orbit), HEO (High Elliptical Orbit) and LEO (Low Earth Orbit) connectivity.
In order to further expand the Ku-band HBCplus capability, Airbus is in advanced discussions with Intelsat and Panasonic. “Complementing our HBCplus offer with multi-constellation Ku-band solutions is a key step in our aim to provide flexibility of choice for airlines”, noted André Schneider, Airbus’ VP Cabin & Cargo Programme.
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Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines, the first customers
“HBCplus, offered by Airbus, will provide our A350 fleet with better integration and performance using the latest generation of connectivity and antenna”, said Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ COO.
“With the first of our fifty new joining Emirates’ fleet next year, we look forward toproviding our passengers with the latest standard of continuous high bandwidth inflight connectivitythroughout their journey to enjoy a better experience”, he added.
For its part, Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, stated: “Connectivity is a crucial part of our services and products, and bringing Inmarsat’s best-in-class GX Aviation service to our passengers, as part of Airbus’ HBCplus programme, is a major step forward”.
“We want to give our passengers the possibility to stream, surf, and chat from thousands of feet on the air, no matter where their route or destination is”, Tasew added. “Inmarsat’s seamless, truly global inflight connectivity will be vital to deliver this”, he concluded.
