Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Space

Airbus launches Airspace Link HBCplus

Airbus has launched Airspace Link HBCplus, its new flexible satellite connectivity solution that will be offered as an SFE (Supplier Furnished Equipment) line-fit catalogue option and also for retrofit on all Airbus programmes.

Image courtesy Inmarsat

HBCplus, which initially encompasses Ka-band services, will enable airlines to connect to a choice of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) via a new certified terminal and radome built as part of the aircraft. In the future it is planned to extend HBCplus to include MSPs which offer Ku-band services.

Advertisement
ODU RT

André Schneider, Airbus VP Cabin & Cargo Programme said: “We are excited to offer airlines a new connectivity service solution that will provide improved speed and reliability for passenger experience and more flexibility. Together with our leading industry partners we are pleased to enable future connectivity business opportunities in the context of the Airspace Link open ecosystem.”

To this end Airbus has selected connectivity satcom leader Inmarsat as the first MSP, contributing its GX Aviation inflight broadband solution which offers reliable and seamless passenger experience with global coverage and capacity for future growth. Additional MSPs will join the HBCplus offering in due course.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Philippe Carette, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “We are honoured that Airbus has chosen Inmarsat as the first Managed Service Provider for this transformative connectivity catalogue solution and is putting its trust in our award-winning GX Aviation service across all of its aircraft programmes. Inmarsat looks forward to working closely with our partners Airbus and SPI to deliver continuous innovation for airlines and their passengers worldwide.”
 

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
Wales to be UK launchpad for advanced autonomous tech

Aerospace Defence Security

Wales to be UK launchpad for advanced autonomous tech

20 February 2026

Thousands of skilled workers in Wales will be involved in the design, testing and manufacture of advanced autonomous technologies and unmanned systems, as a landmark £50 million Defence Growth Deal positions the nation at the forefront of Britain’s defence future.

NPAS increases aircraft available for deployment

Aerospace Security

NPAS increases aircraft available for deployment

19 February 2026

In January this year, the National Police Air Service (NPAS) was able to increase the number of aircraft that were available for operational deployment.

Alloyed secures ATI Programme funding to develop ABD-1000AM

Aerospace

Alloyed secures ATI Programme funding to develop ABD-1000AM

19 February 2026

Developer and manufacturer of advanced metallic components, Alloyed Ltd, has secured funding from the ATI Programme for an ambitious £1 million project to accelerate the development of ABD-1000AM, a next-generation nickel-based superalloy designed for additive manufacturing.

Birmingham Airport publishes new sustainability strategy

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport publishes new sustainability strategy

19 February 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has published its new sustainability strategy for 2026 to 2030, outlining the next strategic steps on its journey to becoming a more sustainable and socially responsible business.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
UK hydrogen airport trial sets out roadmap for further studies

Aerospace

UK hydrogen airport trial sets out roadmap for further studies

18 February 2026

A new report into the UK’s first airside trial of multiple hydrogen-powered ground support equipment (GSE) has confirmed that hydrogen can be safely and effectively integrated into airport ground operations, whilst setting out a series of essential next steps needed to accelerate hydrogen adoption and decarbonisation across the aviation sector.

Kent collaborates on Pre-FEED study for Eq.flight SAF demo plant

Aerospace

Kent collaborates on Pre-FEED study for Eq.flight SAF demo plant

18 February 2026

Integrated energy services partner, Kent, has collaborated with Equilibrion during a successful bid for funding from the UK Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF) and with that funding for Equilibrion and its partners, Kent is delivering the Pre-Front-End Engineering Design (Pre-FEED) for Eq.flight, an advanced power-to-liquids ...

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner