Airbus Partners with Chinese Company to Enhance In-Flight Internet Connectivity
Airbus announced yesterday in Shanghai a strategic partnership with the Chinese company Spacesail, an operator of low-Earth orbit satellites, aimed at integrating its future satellite constellation into the HBCplus program, a connectivity solution for airlines.
The agreement was signed at the 2025 conference on satellite internet systems, introducing a new option based on high-speed, low-latency LEO satellites, providing greater technological flexibility for airlines amid increasing demand for reliable internet connectivity during flights, especially in Asia, where Wi-Fi has become a crucial factor in passenger comfort alongside cabin space.
Tim Sommer, Director of Connected Aircraft Programs at Airbus, stated that this partnership aligns with the company’s strategy to develop a comprehensive system designed to enhance passenger experience and improve operational performance for airlines. The Spacesail constellation will help increase system capacity and expand technological options available to carriers.
Spacesail aims to provide high-speed global coverage specifically tailored for the aviation sector, with the potential for adaptation to other data-intensive sectors. This partnership will enable improved connectivity in the cockpit, enhance operational processes, and deliver high-definition content streaming experiences for passengers during flights.
This agreement comes at a strategic time for the Chinese aviation market, where the government encourages the use of local solutions to boost digital transformation. The emergence of a national player specializing in low-orbit satellites is expected to reshape a market previously dominated by Western companies, reflecting the increasing competition in the satellite communications field.
