Airbus revealed further progress of its HBCplus platform

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11 months ago

At the APEX Expo in Long Beach, Airbus revealed further progress in the rollout of HBCplus, its flexible multi-orbit line-fit and retrofit satellite connectivity platform. This progress includes the addition of two new airline customers. HBCplus will allow their passengers to enjoy a seamless high-bandwidth on-board connectivity experience.

Airbus’ progress also includes further expansion of its satellite network provider partnerships.

Thai Airways International will equip its 12 new A321LRs with the HBCplus Ka system. These aircraft are due to be delivered in Q4 2025. Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines has chosen HBCplus to equip 14 new A350 Family aircraft. To date, 13 airlines have now selected HBCplus.

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“We are delighted to welcome our new customers for Airbus’ HBCplus connectivity platform”, Tim Sommer, VP Head of Connected Aircraft Programme at Airbus said.

ENHANCED MULTI-ORBIT FLEXIBILITY COMING TO HBCPLUS

A new Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Telesat as a Ka band/LEO satellite network operator (SNO). To this end, Airbus and Telesat will explore enabling HBCplus MSPs’ own services to also harness Telesat’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) coverage – complementing GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) and MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) connectivity on the same Ka-band equipped aircraft.

As the entry into service draws closer, the first customer aircraft – fitted with HBCplus – are nearing final completion and subsequent delivery from the Airbus final assembly lines.