Airbus selects Panasonic multi-orbit connectivity for HBCplus

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Airbus has selected Panasonic Avionics as a managed service provider (MSP) for its Airspace Link HBCplus (HBCplus) Ku-band connectivity solution, which will be offered as a line-fit catalogue or retrofit option on all its aircraft programmes. This selection, announced at this week’s APEX Expo in Long Beach, California, firms-up an earlier MoU phase which was revealed at Aircraft Interiors Expo in June this year.

As an MSP for HBCplus, Panasonic Avionics will be able to integrate its multi-orbit connectivity service, a blend of LEO (low earth orbit) and GEO (geostationary equatorial orbit) satellite constellations, onto Airbus aircraft, using an electronically steered antenna (ESA) with a multi-beam operation that can simultaneously access Panasonic Avionics’ LEO and GEO networks.

“HBCplus aligns perfectly with our multi-orbit strategy and will seamlessly integrate with our LEO and GEO connectivity solutions.” Said John Wade, vice president of Panasonic Avionics’ in-flight connectivity business unit.

This announcement follows the news in 2022 that Panasonic Avionics has partnered with OneWeb to market, sell and support its high-speed, low-latency LEO in-flight broadband services to commercial airlines worldwide. Latency, the responsiveness of a network which impacts all activities online, is reduced on LEO to below 100 milliseconds, delivering a responsive in-flight connectivity experience to passengers when connected to this satellite constellation. Panasonic Avionics offers OneWeb’s global service stand-alone or paired with its GEO service, which covers 99.6% of the world’s flight routes.

Panasonic Avionics is the first OneWeb partner to make its connectivity available through HBCplus.

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Ever since his first flight on a TriStar, Adam has loved air travel, and since becoming editor of the Aircraft Interiors International brand he has really enjoyed the opportunity to be involved with the latest aircraft and airline products before they are even launched. Adam co-ordinates the running of the magazine, from commissioning articles and artwork, to ensuring that high standards of quality are maintained, as well as managing online content. Adam is proud to sit on the jury of the Crystal Cabin Awards and to have laid on the bed in Etihad's Residence.

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