Hughes becomes Ka-band Managed Service Provider for HBCplus with Airbus
Reza Rasoulian, Senior Vice President, and General Manager of the Aviation Business Unit, Hughes at AIX 2025
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) has completed an agreement with Airbus to become an official Managed Service Provider (MSP) within the HBCplus inflight connectivity ecosystem. Hughes solutions will be available in the Airbus catalogue, providing airlines with enhanced connectivity options.
"Our partnership with Airbus on HBCplus gives airlines more flexibility in creating industry-leading connectivity experiences onboard Airbus aircraft," said Reza Rasoulian, Senior Vice President, and General Manager of the Aviation Business Unit at Hughes. "Less than a year ago, Hughes committed to bringing our cutting-edge network management and service provisioning capabilities directly to airlines. Now, with our global Ka-band capacity across GEO satellites and our roadmap that includes Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) integration and comprehensive polar coverage, airlines have unprecedented options for robust, reliable in-flight connectivity."
Under the terms of the agreement, Hughes will become a part of the HBCplus ecosystem, an end-to-end Ka-band managed service provider, and continue as a technology provider for satellite connectivity components. The Hughes HBCplus offering gives airlines scalable and flexible business models with consistent, reliable connectivity including a roadmap for coverage of polar routes.
"We are pleased to confirm Hughes as part of the HBCplus ecosystem," said Tim Sommer, Head of Connected Aircraft at Airbus. "Passenger expectations for in-flight connectivity and digital services continue to accelerate and airlines demand simple, seamless integration across their entire digital partner ecosystem. Hughes will add further choices for airlines and strengthen our multi-orbit strategy."
In addition to showcasing Hughes' IFC Solutions at Booth 2B70 during the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Rasoulian is also speaking on the CabinSpace Live panel "Connectivity: Choosing the Right Fit" to address how airlines can select the right solutions provider for their needs.
Rasoulian tells PAX Tech that his key message on the panel is flexibility partnership.
"I think airlines need a good solid partner that's willing to adapt with them and bring in the right connectivity levels," he explains. "We are uniquely positioned to bring the flexibility to airlines that they've been longing for."
He points to the Hughes Fusion Simultaneous Multi-Orbit Inflight Connectivity Solution, which was recently reselected by Delta Air Lines for new delivery A350 and A321neo aircraft, as one such example.
"We were humbled and energized when they reselected us," Rasoulian says. "It really represents a milestone in our partnership. We've been working very closely together and the fusion product is an industry first that we're bringing to commercial aviation with Delta."
On the benefits for airlines of opting for a fusion solution, Rasoulian references an analogy made by Delta's Managing Director, Glenn Latta, likening Hughes' Fusion product to four wheel drive for connectivity.
"You have a two wheel drive car that is good for certain situations. You have a front wheel drive car that's good for other situations, but you don't have to compromise – you could have all of them. And that's analogous to Geo or Leo," Rasoulian explains. "We can really bring an elevated experience to the passenger with a multi-orbit solution."
