Ethiopian Airline has revealed that it will equip its four new A350-1000s with Airbus’ integrated satellite connectivity solution: HBCplus.
With the Airbus’ HBCplus programme, Ethiopian Airlines will benefit from a more streamlined, efficient order process that
will ensure its latest aircraft meet the rapidly growing passenger demand to stay connected while
flying.
Regarding the new service, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “As we
endeavour to maintain our position as Africa’s number one and among the leading airlines globally,
we know one of the key success factors is giving our passengers the best possible onboard
experience. Connectivity is a crucial part of our services and products; and bringing Inmarsat’s bestin-class GX Aviation service to our passengers, as part of Airbus’ HBCplus programme, is a major
step forward.
We want to give our passengers the possibility to stream, surf, and chat from
thousands of feet in the air, no matter where their route or destination is. Inmarsat’s seamless, truly
global inflight connectivity will be vital to deliver this. We look forward to a very successful
partnership with Inmarsat and Airbus, now and in the years to come,” he added.
Inmarsat’s latest Passenger Experience Survey found out that 97% of respondents use their personal
devices on flights for entertainment, such as streaming movies and TV shows, keeping up with
work, and to stay in touch with family and friends. In addition, 82% of passengers are more likely
to rebook with an airline that offers quality inflight Wi-Fi.
The first of Ethiopian Airlines’ Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is set to be delivered in the Third Quarter
(Q3) of 2024, with passengers able to benefit from GX Aviation’s world-class connectivity
technology. This supports the airline’s Vision 2035 Strategy which focuses on expanding its fleets,
enhancing its passenger experience and maintaining its leading position in the airline industry.
Niels Steenstrup, President, Inmarsat Aviation, said: “We were selected as the first managed
services provider (MSP) for the Airbus HBCplus programme last year, with a scope that includes
connectivity, digital portal services and ISP capability. The fact that we have already been selected
by two leading airlines is a great achievement and we are excited about delivering our award winning GX Aviation inflight broadband to Ethiopian Airlines’ passengers starting from next year.This will enable them to stream videos, browse the internet, shop online, enjoy social media and more, all from the comfort of their seats and using their personal devices.”
Andre Schneider, Airbus VP Cabin and Cargo Programme said: “We are delighted that Ethiopian
Airlines has selected our agnostic and flexible high-bandwidth connectivity solution – HBCplus.
This is further endorsement from our valued airline customers of the confidence they place in
Airbus to devise and integrate enhanced inflight capabilities for their passengers to experience.
Airspace Link HBCplus provides satcom based off-board connectivity for the Airspace Link open
ecosystem, available both in linefit and retrofit. Initially encompassing Ka-band services, it will
enable the airline to connect to a choice of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), in this case with
Inmarsat – via a new certified terminal and antenna built as part of the aircraft.”
Powered by Inmarsat’s Global Xpress satellite network, GX Aviation delivers world-class
connectivity on every aircraft, on any route, and for every passenger. Airline customers will also
benefit from seven more Inmarsat satellite payloads entering service by 2025, increasing its Kaband network fleet to 12.
This includes two Inmarsat-6s, both of which have already launched, followed by two payloads in
highly elliptical orbit, enabling the world’s only commercial mobile broadband service for flights in
higher latitudes and across the Arctic. This delivers uninterrupted connectivity on high-elevation
routes. Three additional satellites will then launch in geostationary orbit, adding further speed,
capacity, and resilience.