Airbus Corporate Jets wins 1st Ka-band retrofit deals

Airbus Corporate Jets has won its first contracts to retrofit ACJ aircraft with Ka-band satellite communications – from Comlux and an undisclosed customer – paving the way for ACJ operators to have a faster and more capable internet access, via the latest technology. Both deals are for widebody aircraft. Ka-band’s faster data-transfer opens the door to features such as real-time TV and audio and video-streaming at rates of up to 50 Mbits/sec. To be Ka-band capable, aircraft need to be equipped with a larger antenna than used for today’s satellite communications, as well as the corresponding electronics. This Ka-band solution has been specifically developed to meet Airbus corporate jet customers’ expectations and to be easily customised for all cabin arrangements. The solution being offered will benefit from Airbus’ expertise, and will be implementable on all of the modern Airbus aircraft family being produced today, from the second half of 2016. It is available as a turnkey option by Airbus, as well as for third-party installation.