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HBC+ Antenna Ka (detail)
HAMBURG—Airbus is adding Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Hughes Network Systems as new bandwidth suppliers to its High-Bandwidth Connectivity Plus (HBCPlus) program, while planning future capabilities.
HBCPlus relies on hardware supporting inflight connectivity supplied by different service providers. Airbus supplies the antenna and accompanying systems—for line-fit or retrofit installation—and selects bandwidth suppliers, called managed service providers (MSPs). Once they have chosen Ka or Ku band, carriers can switch MSPs. Airbus’ HBCPlus is thus competing with more integrated offerings that combine an inflight connectivity service with a dedicated terminal.
Airbus has signed a memorandum of understanding with Amazon for its Project Kuiper low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Tim Sommer, Airbus VP, head of connected aircraft program, said at the recent Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg. Planned to be comprised of 3,200 spacecraft, the Ku-band network will enable downlink speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
Also at AIX, Airbus announced a contract with Hughes in Ka band. Hughes will rely on both geostationary satellites and the upcoming Telesat Lightspeed 198-satellite constellation in LEO. Airbus’ catalog of MSPs also include Panasonic Intelsat (planned for entry into service in 2027), Eutelsat Oneweb and SES. Airbus is still supporting but no longer promoting Viasat GX, Sommer said.
Already in service on the A350, HBCPlus will fly on the A320 and A330 in 2025, Sommer said. In the future, HBCPlus may support the connectivity of cabin equipment such as seats, galleys, bins and lavatories.
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