Airbus Connectivity Solutions

Inflight connectivity is internet access on board an aircraft, delivered by satellite or air-to-ground networks. It gives passengers onboard internet for browsing, streaming and working in the air. The same link also moves operational and maintenance data off the aircraft in real time, helping airlines run more efficiently. Airbus fits connectivity into the aircraft and backs it as the manufacturer.

HBCplus is the Airbus inflight connectivity solution. Airbus selects, fits and backs it, so integration risk sits with the manufacturer rather than the airline. It is multi-orbit and multi-provider, so you choose your managed service provider and can change it later. HBCplus is available in linefit and retrofit across the Airbus Family.

Aircraft antennas for connectivity are mounted on the fuselage and track satellites while the aircraft flies. The main types of aircraft antennas differ in how they steer the beam and how much drag they add. A lower-profile aircraft antenna reduces drag and fuel burn. Fitted at the ARINC 791 standard, it can evolve with new networks.

No. Inflight wifi is what passengers see: aircraft wifi at the seat. A connected aircraft is the whole system behind it. The same link that serves the cabin also moves cockpit and maintenance data to the ground in real time, and supports onboard applications. Wifi is one outcome of a connected aircraft, not the whole of it.

These are three satellite orbits at different altitudes. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) sits closest to the aircraft, giving the lowest latency. Geostationary orbit (GEO) sits highest, so a single satellite covers a very wide area. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) sits in-between. A multi-orbit solution combines them, so coverage and performance hold up across different routes.

A supplier-furnished equipment (SFE) solution is selected and fitted by the aircraft manufacturer, rather than sourced separately by the airline. This removes integration risk, keeps one party accountable for the airframe and the connectivity, and protects warranty and residual value. The airline still chooses its managed service provider, so it keeps commercial freedom.

Yes. HBCplus is available in linefit, fitted on the production line, and in retrofit, installed on in-service aircraft. Airbus certifies the installation itself, so there is no reliance on a third-party Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), and the aircraft warranty is unaffected.

Yes. HBCplus is multi-provider by design, so you choose your managed service provider and can change it as the market moves and your routes evolve. The terminal is decoupled from the service, so switching does not mean a further change to the aircraft. This independence is the core of the Airbus offer.

Security is built into the solution. Data is protected in transit and on the ground to aviation-grade standards, and the connectivity is designed to keep operational and passenger systems separate. Airbus monitors the network continuously to ensure secure access to all onboard services and strengthen the resilience of the digital ecosystem for increased compliance, security and trust. 

Yes. Airbus is preparing an open digital platform that lets airlines design, test, deploy and run applications on board. Applications use connectivity when it is available and run offline when it is not. Airlines can also choose applications built by third parties, including partners in their own ecosystem. Because deployment needs no service bulletin, time to market is dramatically reduced.

The Airbus Connected Aircraft team can guide you through the options and help you to select the right fit for your fleet. Submit the contact form on this page and they shall reach out to you. They support airlines and lessors from first questions through to fitment, for both linefit and retrofit, across the Airbus Family.