Fresh in-flight connectivity news from APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, CA. Marking a significant win, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a global leader in in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems (IFEC), announced Airbus had selected them as a managed service provider (MSP) for its premium Airspace Link HBCplus Ku solution.
Originating from a memorandum of understanding revealed at the Aircraft Interiors Expo earlier this June, HBCplus stands as Airbus’ sophisticated high bandwidth connectivity solution. This pioneering tech will soon become a standard option for new and retrofitted Airbus aircraft.
Why is this partnership significant?
With Panasonic Avionics stepping up as an MSP for HBCplus, it signifies the integration of its cutting-edge multi-orbit connectivity service. This unique blend of LEO (low earth orbit) and GEO (geostationary equatorial orbit) satellite constellations will now be available on Airbus aircraft. Utilizing an electronically steered antenna (ESA) capable of multi-beam operations, Airbus aircraft can concurrently access Panasonic Avionics’ LEO and GEO networks.
Backing this revolutionary step, over 70 premier global airlines have already chosen Panasonic Avionics’ in-flight connectivity services. This is chiefly due to their reliable network of high-speed satellites and a commitment to a multi-orbit strategy, guaranteeing high-speed and minimal latency connectivity options for airlines.
John Wade, representing Panasonic Avionics’ In-flight Connectivity Business Unit, remarked, “HBCplus aligns perfectly with our multi-orbit strategy and will seamlessly integrate with our LEO and GEO connectivity solutions. We understand the needs of airlines and OEMs alike. By offering HBCplus, we provide airlines with a greater choice of connectivity services and ultimately enhance the passenger experience.”
Supporting this sentiment, Maximilian Ruecker of Airbus said, “Airbus’ vision is to make state-of-the-art IFC technology available to its customers while offering the best choice of connectivity providers. As such, we are pleased to be able to include Panasonic Avionics as a player in this program. We are looking forward to continuing to enrich this cooperation.”
Taking In-flight Connectivity to the Next Level
In 2022, Panasonic Avionics made headlines by announcing their collaboration with OneWeb. This partnership aimed to promote and facilitate high-speed, low-latency LEO in-flight broadband services across commercial airlines worldwide. With latency metrics dropping below 100 milliseconds, passengers aboard Airbus aircraft are guaranteed an unparalleled in-flight browsing and streaming experience. Panasonic Avionics is the first OneWeb partner to introduce its connectivity through HBCplus.
Today, In-flight Connectivity is More Than an Amenity. It is a Necessity.
With this monumental partnership, passengers flying on Airbus aircraft will experience significantly improved in-flight browsing and streaming. As the doors to new, low-latency airline passenger experiences swing wide open, the sky, it seems, is not the limit.
About Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Panasonic Avionics Corporation has been a trailblazer since 1979, providing cutting-edge in-flight entertainment and communication systems. Having introduced several game-changing innovations, the company has enhanced in-flight experiences, airline loyalty, and operational efficiency. Trusted by over 200 leading airlines globally, they have etched an irreplaceable mark on the industry. For more information, head over to www.panasonic.aero.