Multi-Orbit Inflight Connectivity Gains Momentum

Multi-orbit inflight connectivity is taking off as providers and their customers move to take advantage of the complementary capabilities of geostationary and low Earth orbit (LEO) communications satellites.

Panasonic Avionics has demonstrated switching between LEO and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite networks in flight testing, while Delta Air Lines has selected Hughes Network Systems’ Fusion multi-orbit inflight connectivity service for new-delivery Airbus A321neos and A350-1000s.

Panasonic says switching tests conducted on the Arctic region underlined the strength of LEO coverage over the Poles and validated performance of the network and terminal under extreme environmental conditions. Equatorial testing demonstrated the LEO service can operate without interfering with GEO satellites, the company says.

The company’s multi-orbit connectivity solution uses Eutelsat Oneweb’s LEO constellation and a layered GEO network provided by satellite operators under contract to Panasonic that can place additional communications capability where needed by airlines, particularly over busy airport hubs.

Stellar Blu Solutions provides the electronically steerable antenna that enables the multi-orbit LEO/GEO capability. The flight tests on a Cessna Citation business jet demonstrated the consistent low latency of LEO connectivity, Panasonic says, adding forward links speeds were up to 193 Mbps and return link speeds 36 Mbps.

Hughes Network Systems completed flight tests of its internally developed electronically steerable antenna in October 2024 on a Bombardier Challenger 300 business jet. The system provides multi-orbit connectivity via OneWeb’s LEO constellation and Hughes’ own GEO network of Jupiter Ka-band satellites. Hughes says its system provides 195 Mbps to and 32 Mbps from the aircraft.

In November 2023, Delta selected Hughes’ Fusion multi-orbit inflight connectivity solution to retrofit more than 400 Bombardier CRJ and Embraer ERJ regional jets and Boeing 717s serving North American routes, with introduction to begin onboard the 717s in the second half of this year. The latest order will extend the service to international flights.

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