Airbus Partners with Panasonic Avionics for High Bandwidth Connectivity Solution
Airbus, the leading aircraft manufacturer based in Toulouse, France, has teamed up with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to provide a high bandwidth connectivity solution for its Airspace Link HBCplus flight technology. This partnership will allow Panasonic Avionics to integrate its multi-orbit connectivity service onto Airbus aircraft, enhancing the in-flight experience for passengers.
As a managed service provider for HBCplus, Panasonic Avionics will utilize its blend of low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO) satellite constellations, along with an electronically steered antenna (ESA) with multi-beam operation. This will enable simultaneous access to Panasonic Avionics’ LEO and GEO networks, ensuring reliable and robust connectivity.
Panasonic Avionics is renowned for its global network of high-speed, high-bandwidth satellites, and its in-flight connectivity services have been trusted by over 70 leading airlines worldwide. With the introduction of Airbus’ HBCplus technology, passengers will benefit from reduced latency, providing a more responsive and seamless internet connection during flights. The LEO network offers latency below 100 milliseconds, significantly enhancing the overall passenger experience.
OneWeb’s global service, available through Panasonic Avionics, can be used independently or in conjunction with the GEO service, which covers 99.6% of the world’s flight routes. This extensive coverage ensures that passengers can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity throughout their journey, regardless of the flight path.
John Wade, Vice President of Panasonic Avionics’ In-flight Connectivity Business Unit, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, HBCplus aligns perfectly with our multi-orbit strategy and will seamlessly integrate with our LEO and GEO connectivity solutions. By offering HBCplus, we are providing airlines with a wider range of connectivity services, ultimately enhancing the passenger experience.
Maximilian Ruecker, VP Cabin Procurement Seats, IFE and Electronics for Airbus, emphasized the company’s commitment to offering advanced technology to its customers. Ruecker stated, Airbus’ vision is to make state-of-the-art IFC technology available to its customers while providing the best choice of connectivity providers. We are pleased to include Panasonic Avionics as a player in this program and look forward to continuing to enhance this cooperation.
The partnership between Airbus and Panasonic Avionics marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry, as it combines the expertise of two industry-leading companies to provide a reliable, high bandwidth connectivity solution. With the integration of HBCplus technology, Airbus is setting new standards for in-flight connectivity, ensuring that passengers can stay connected and enjoy a seamless digital experience, even at 30,000 feet in the sky.
