The Airbus HBCplus inflight internet offering is accelerating, with 125 aircraft now contracted for Ka-band connectivity through the OEM-managed program. The bulk of the commitment comes from Emirates, tied to deals announced earlier this year and also at the 2023 Dubai Air Show this week.
Seeing our valued customers committing to our reliable satellite connectivity model, while combining a flexible choice of network providers and seamless hardware integration, is a real testimony to our Airspace Link philosophy. – André Schneider, Airbus VP Cabin & Cargo Programme
Emirates committed to 50 A350s under the program in January of this year. The carrier added 60 A380s this week in Dubai, first hinted in a Safran Passenger Innovations release and later confirmed by Airbus.
In addition to the Emirate commitment, Airbus has three smaller contracts in place:
- Ethiopian will fit its four A350-1000s under the program, with deliveries to begin in Q3 2024
- Air Algerie selected HBCplus for for five A330neos
- Air India chose the program for six A350s
This appears to be the first confirmation that Air Algerie and Air India will be Viasat customers for their inflight connectivity programs.
While the 60 A380s are to be retrofit installations the remaining 65 planes will all see the kit installed by Airbus at the factory prior to delivery.
“We are honoured that Airbus’ HBCplus launch customer Emirates has reaffirmed its confidence by selecting the technology for its flagship A380 fleet,” said André Schneider, Airbus VP Cabin & Cargo Programme. “Together with our partners Viasat and Safran Passenger Innovations, we are also thrilled that more airlines, now also including Air Algerie and Air India, have chosen to equip HBCplus across their Airbus fleets to keep their travellers connected with lightning-fast internet.”
Under the HBCplus program the aircraft will see Safran Passenger Innovations manage the hardware integration, including the ThinKom ThinAir Ka2517 terminal and Astronics Modman. Airbus notes that, to date, all committed aircraft have chosen Viasat as their satellite service provider. HBCplus also offers SES‘s O3B MEO constellation as a service option.
Finally, Airbus adds that further HBCplus selections for more than 120 shipsets are underway, covering both single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft from the manufacturer to be implemented across multiple airlines.
More news from the 2023 Dubai Air Show
- Emirates boosts long-haul fleet with mega order
- flydubai spreads its wings with 787 order
- AirBaltic to double A220 fleet
- Safran snags massive contract for Emirates fleet fittings
- Ethiopian targets major growth with Boeing, Airbus orders in Dubai
- Airbus hits 125 aircraft commitment milestone for HBCplus Ka-band connectivity
- Egyptair taps Panasonic Avionics for IFE/C on new A350 fleet
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