Delta Air Lines selects Airbus for A350-1000 connectivity

Airbus HBCplus to support Delta Air Lines connectivity solution

Delta Air Lines has selected Airbus to equip its 20 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft with in-flight connectivity using Airbus’ HBCplus system.

Under this agreement, Delta becomes Airbus’ first North American customer to adopt the HBCplus linefit offering.

Airbus will work with Delta and Hughes to install a multi-orbit in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution on the aircraft. The system integrates Airbus’ HBCplus integration platform with Hughes’ Fusion IFC technology.

The solution will use HBCplus hardware alongside Hughes’ Fusion product to provide connectivity across multiple satellite orbits. For the low Earth orbit (LEO) component, Airbus will support Delta with post-delivery modifications, including the installation of an electronically steered array (ESA) antenna.

Joseph Eddy, Director – Cabin Programmes at Delta Air Lines, said the collaboration reflects ongoing work between the companies to integrate connectivity systems into new aircraft deliveries.

Reza Rasoulian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Aviation Business Unit at Hughes, said the company’s role in the project includes delivering a multi-orbit connectivity solution as part of the Airbus HBCplus programme.

Tim Sommer, Vice President and Head of Connected Aircraft Programme at Airbus, said the project builds on the relationship between Airbus and Delta and highlights cooperation across the aviation supply chain.

Airbus and Delta have also agreed to explore the next phase of HBCplus development, including a modular version of the system and its integration with Delta’s digital platform, Delta Sync.

HBCplus is Airbus’ satellite connectivity solution, available both as a line-fit option and for retrofit across Airbus aircraft programmes. It allows airlines to connect with different managed service providers through a certified terminal and radome installed during aircraft production.

The modular version of HBCplus supports up to 2 antennas and multiple satellite networks, enabling airlines to switch or upgrade providers with minimal downtime.