Ahead of the introduction of the Airspace Link for ‘connected cabin’ services, Airbus has announced that it has selected Safran Passenger Innovations as its Ku-band satcom hardware supplier.
Panasonic Avionics Corporation and Intelsat have also been chosen as Managed Service Provider suppliers as the airframe manufacturer seeks to further modernise its IFE and connectivity offerings.
The firm will integrate Get-SAT’s Electronically Steerable Antenna. Being both GEO and LEO compatible, this antenna will unlock simultaneous multi-beam operation for HBCplus Ku-band services for which the airframe manufacturer expects the first entry into service is expected in the course of 2026.
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Since they were revealed during the 2023 AIX, Intelsat andPanasonic Avionics Corporation have respectively signed contracts and are thus confirmed as launch Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for the Ku-band multi-orbit LEO/GEO HBCplus offering.
Maximilian Ruecker, VP Cabin Procurement Seats, IFE and Electronics said: “As the aircraft OEM, Airbus is looking forward to delivering state-of-the-art built-in aircraft connectivity technology together with Safran Passenger Innovations, integrating Get-SAT’s electronically-steerable antenna to harness multiple satellite constellations. In parallel, our expanding catalogue of selected Managed Service Provider partners – now joined by Intelsat and Panasonic Avionics Corporation – will deliver a fantastic customer experience for airlines’ Airbus Family aircraft through lightning fast internet in-flight.”
Currently, Airbus’ HBCplus’ offer for airlines encompasses Ka-band (GEO) and MEO, using SPI’s integrated terminal modem with Thinkom Solutions’ antenna, together with Viasat and SES as the selected MSPs.