TCI joins Airbus HBCplus programme

Airbus partners with TCI Aircraft Interiors for HBCplus connectivity services

Airbus and TCI Aircraft Interiors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to include TCI as a provider for HBCplus satellite connectivity services.

Under the agreement, TCI is expected to become a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for Airbus’ HBCplus solution. The move builds on existing cooperation involving Airbus and Turkish Airlines, while bringing TCI into the in-flight connectivity (IFC) segment with support from the Strategic Türkiye Enhanced Programme (STEP).

The initial phase of the collaboration will focus on preparing a proposal for Turkish Airlines’ Airbus fleet using the HBCplus system. Airbus and TCI will also work towards integrating TCI into Airbus’ line-fit offering.

As an MSP, TCI will provide connectivity services to airlines selecting the HBCplus solution. The company will combine satellite capacity from operators, including SES and Turksat, enabling coverage across airline networks.

Tim Sommer, Vice President Connected Aircraft at Airbus, said the agreement expands the HBCplus ecosystem and provides airlines with additional service options.

Müjdat Uludağ, Chief Executive Officer of TCI Aircraft Interiors, said the collaboration reflects the company’s role in aviation engineering and its involvement in connectivity services for Turkish Airlines and other operators.

TCI’s current service model uses a mix of geostationary (GEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites. Plans are in place to incorporate low Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity in the future to improve latency and network performance for Airbus operators.