Hughes Completes Agreement with Airbus to Become Ka-band Managed Service Provider for HBCplus

Rhea-AI Summary

Hughes Network Systems (Nasdaq: SATS) has finalized an agreement with Airbus to become an official Managed Service Provider (MSP) within the HBCplus in-flight connectivity ecosystem. The partnership enables Hughes to offer its solutions through the Airbus catalogue, providing airlines with enhanced connectivity options.

As an end-to-end Ka-band managed service provider, Hughes will integrate its global satellite capacity across GEO satellites with plans to include Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) integration and comprehensive polar coverage. The company's offering promises airlines scalable and flexible business models with consistent, reliable connectivity, including coverage for polar routes.

Positive

• Strategic partnership with major aircraft manufacturer Airbus expands market reach
• Integration into Airbus catalogue provides direct access to airline customers
• Expansion of service offering to include end-to-end Ka-band managed services

Negative

• Implementation timeline for LEO integration and polar coverage remains undefined
• Potential capital investments needed for infrastructure expansion not disclosed

Agreement positions Hughes as an end-to-end provider with a roadmap including low-latency connectivity, multi-orbit coverage, and polar route support

HAMBURG, Germany, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- (Aircraft Interiors International 2025 Booth 2B70) -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), today announced it completed an agreement with Airbus to become an official Managed Service Provider (MSP) within the HBCplus in-flight connectivity ecosystem. Hughes solutions will be available in the Airbus catalogue, providing airlines with enhanced connectivity options.

"Our partnership with Airbus on HBCplus gives airlines more flexibility in creating industry-leading connectivity experiences onboard Airbus aircraft," said Reza Rasoulian, Senior Vice President, and General Manager of the Aviation Business Unit at Hughes. "Less than a year ago, Hughes committed to bringing our cutting-edge network management and service provisioning capabilities directly to airlines. Now, with our global Ka-band capacity across GEO satellites and our roadmap that includes Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) integration and comprehensive polar coverage, airlines have unprecedented options for robust, reliable in-flight connectivity."

Under the terms of the agreement, Hughes will become a part of the HBCplus ecosystem, an end-to-end Ka-band managed service provider, and continue as a technology provider for satellite connectivity components. The Hughes HBCplus offering gives airlines scalable and flexible business models with consistent, reliable connectivity including a roadmap for coverage of polar routes.

"We are pleased to confirm Hughes as part of the HBCplus ecosystem," adds Tim Sommer, Head of Connected Aircraft at Airbus. "Passenger expectations for in-flight connectivity and digital services continue to accelerate and airlines demand simple, seamless integration across their entire digital partner ecosystem. Hughes will add further choices for airlines and strengthen our multi-orbit strategy."

For more information about the Hughes In-Flight Connectivity Solutions, please visit the Hughes booth 2B70 at AIX in Germany.

About Hughes

Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), provides broadband equipment and services; managed services featuring smart, software-defined networking; and end-to-end network operation for millions of consumers, businesses, governments, airlines, and communities worldwide. The Hughes flagship internet service, Hughesnet®, connects millions of people across the Americas, and the Hughes JUPITER™ System powers internet access for tens of millions more worldwide. Hughes supplies more than half the global satellite terminal market to leading satellite operators, mobile network operators and military customers. Hughes products and services have helped bring in-flight video and broadband to thousands of aircraft for over twenty years. A managed network services provider, Hughes supports approximately half a million enterprise sites with its HughesON™ portfolio of wired and wireless solutions. To learn more, visit https://www.hughes.com/ or follow HughesConnects on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.

©2025 Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company. Hughes and Hughesnet are registered trademarks and JUPITER is a trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.

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SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC

FAQ

What is the significance of Hughes becoming an HBCplus Managed Service Provider for SATS investors?

This agreement positions SATS as an end-to-end provider in the aviation connectivity market, expanding their service offerings through Airbus's catalogue and potentially increasing revenue opportunities.

What new capabilities will Hughes (SATS) offer through the HBCplus partnership?

Hughes will provide Ka-band capacity across GEO satellites, with plans for LEO integration and polar route coverage, offering airlines scalable and flexible connectivity solutions.

How does the Airbus-Hughes agreement affect airline customers?

Airlines gain access to Hughes' connectivity solutions directly through the Airbus catalogue, providing more flexibility in creating onboard connectivity experiences.

What is the timeline for Hughes (SATS) implementation of polar route coverage?

While the agreement is completed, specific timeline for polar route coverage implementation is part of their future roadmap and not explicitly stated in the announcement.