Hughes Network Systems (Hughes) has unveiled what it calls a ‘groundbreaking’ Low Earth Orbit (LEO) electronically steerable antenna (ESA) for in-flight entertainment & connectivity (IFEC) at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX). The company says the technology optimised for the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO system, will provide enterprise-grade, low latency, high-speed connectivity for global commercial aviation, both commercial and business.
“The introduction of our LEO ESA is a game-changer for the aviation industry,” said Reza Rasoulian, senior vice president of the aviation business unit at Hughes. “It represents a significant leap forward in our ability to provide unparalleled connectivity solutions. Passengers can now enjoy a frictionless high-speed, low-latency internet experience from their seat.”
According to Hughes the LEO ESA is only “a fraction” of the size and weight of traditional IFEC SATCOM antennas. It leverages the core technology used in adjacent verticals such as business aviation and enterprise connectivity, and is built at Hughes’ manufacturing facility in Germantown, Maryland, USA.
“We are excited about the capabilities of the Hughes In-Flight Connectivity LEO ESA and the benefits it brings to commercial airlines,” added Massimiliano Ladovaz, Chief Operations Officer at Eutelsat OneWeb. “Together, we are setting new standards for in-flight connectivity, ensuring that passengers have reliable, low latency, high-speed connectivity wherever they fly both on commercial and business jets worldwide.”
The first aviation variants of the ESA are due to be shipped in Q4 2024, with the core technology already in operation.
