By integrating the HBCplus solution into their Airbus A350 fleet, Emirates will deliver a superior passenger experience with uninterrupted, high-bandwidth inflight connectivity.
Airbus has announced that Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, has made history by becoming the first airline to adopt Airbus’ HBCplus agnostic satcom connectivity solution. This cutting-edge technology will be fitted in Emirates’ 50 new A350-900 aircraft, with the first delivery expected in 2024. As other airlines across different aircraft families follow suit, Airbus is gearing up to meet the increasing demand for HBCplus-equipped aircraft.
Airspace Link HBCplus, part of the Airspace Link open ecosystem, offers satcom-based off-board connectivity. This comprehensive solution, available for both line-fit and retrofit installations, initially supports Ka-band services. It enables airlines to connect to a range of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) through a certified terminal and radome, which are integrated into the aircraft structure.
Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer, Emirates said, “We continue to strive for improvements and make good use of the evolving technology to support our product offering. HBCplus, offered by Airbus, will provide our Airbus A350 fleet with better integration and performance using the latest generation of connectivity and antenna. With the first of our 50 new aircraft joining Emirates’ fleet next year, we look forward to providing our passengers with the latest standard of continuous high bandwidth inflight connectivity throughout their journey to enjoy a better experience.”
Airbus’ Vice President of Cabin and Cargo Programme, Andre Schneider, highlighted the significance of Emirates’ selection of HBCplus as a flexible and agnostic high-bandwidth connectivity solution. He emphasized the collaboration with partners Inmarsat and Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI) to deliver a remarkable customer experience through lightning-fast in-flight internet.
The HBCplus solution was introduced in partnership with Inmarsat, a leading connectivity specialist, as the first managed service provider, and SPI, responsible for providing the Ka terminal and antenna. Looking ahead, Airbus plans to expand HBCplus to offer additional MSP choices that encompass both Ka- and Ku-band services.
Andre Schneider, Vice President of Cabin and Cargo Programme, Airbus said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Emirates as the first airline to select our agnostic and flexible HBCplus high-bandwidth connectivity solution. As the OEM, we look forward to integrating and delivering state-of-the-art aircraft technology for Emirates together with our partners Inmarsat and Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI), to deliver a fantastic customer experience through lightning fast internet in-flight.”
The adoption of Airbus’ HBCplus by Emirates showcases the airline’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the aviation industry. By integrating this advanced connectivity solution into their A350 fleet, Emirates aims to deliver a superior passenger experience with uninterrupted, high-bandwidth inflight connectivity. As Airbus, Inmarsat, and SPI work together to realize this vision, passengers can look forward to lightning-fast internet connectivity and an enhanced inflight journey.
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This milestone agreement between Emirates and Airbus marks a significant step forward in the aviation industry’s pursuit of cutting-edge connectivity solutions. It demonstrates the industry’s continuous efforts to provide passengers with seamless and high-quality connectivity, enhancing the overall travel experience.
