Airbus and Amazon’s Kuiper team-up to offer LEO satellite network for HBCplus

Airbus and Amazon are working to enhance Airbus’ High Bandwidth Connectivity Plus (HBCplus) programme offerings with high speed, low-latency low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite inflight connectivity service (IFC) from Project Kuiper, Amazon’s satellite internet network.

Following a recently signed MoU, Airbus and Amazon plan to integrate Project Kuiper’s connectivity solution into the Airbus line-fit and retrofit aircraft catalogue of managed service providers. This will give Airbus customers the option of using Project Kuiper’s IFC service to enrich passengers’ onboard experience and optimise flight operations.

Chris Weber, VP, Sales and Marketing for Project Kuiper said: “Providing inflight connectivity rivalling that available on the ground is the type of complex challenge well-suited for Amazon and Project Kuiper. By building on our relationship with Airbus, we’ll enable more airlines to offer richer onboard passenger experiences and access critical flight operations information, keeping them at the forefront of the transformation in commercial aviation.”

Tim Sommer, Airbus VP, Head of Connected Aircraft Programme said: “We are excited to work together with Amazon’s Project Kuiper, to bring the newest satellite connectivity to the aviation market, harnessing Amazon's planned constellation of more than 3,200 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Working with Project Kuiper, we plan to provide airlines with an additional choice for an IFC service that addresses the growing demand for fast, low-latency, and reliable inflight connectivity on routes worldwide.”

Designed and built by Amazon, Project Kuiper’s IFC services will offer downlink speeds of up to one gigabit per second (Gbps). The addition of Project Kuiper into the future HBCplus solution will help airlines meet their passengers’ growing expectations, unlocking faster browsing, HD streaming, and enhanced productivity.