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Ibadan, 22 September 2023. – Intelsat, operator of one of the integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), have announced that its multi-orbit network offerings, relying on LEO and GEO satellites, will be available to airlines and aircraft lessors through Airbus’ Airspace Link (HBCplus) solution.
Starting with aircraft deliveries targeting the first half of 2026, airlines may select Airbus’ Ku-band ESA terminal, designed for simultaneous connections to Intelsat’s GEO network and LEO networks, like OneWeb. This data routing plan will deliver quality IFC service with an unmatched global level of resilience, low latency, and high throughput unique to Intelsat. As part of the agreement, Airbus will manage the HBCplus system installation in line and retrofit, as well as the related in-service support.
Dave Bijur, Intelsat’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Aviation, commented, “Understanding that no airline is like any other, Intelsat has long offered flexibility and choice to its customers, including fit-for-purpose equipment options, and a variety of business models and passenger service offerings,” Dave Bijur further stated, “With Airbus, we are offering a new level of sophistication and flexibility that leverages the high throughput of GEO satellites with the low latency delivered by LEO satellites.”
In addition, Maximilian Ruecker, Airbus VP Cabin Procurement Seats, IFE and Electronics, stated, “The new blended multi-orbit IFC service is testament to the successful cooperation between the Airbus and Intelsat teams to develop joint solutions in response to customer demands,” Ruecker further stated, “Intelsat’s innovative use of GEO and LEO satellites to seamlessly offer a blended multi-orbit solution fits the disruptive nature of the Airspace Link open ecosystem.”
