Hughes Unveils Revolutionary Commercial Aviation LEO ESA at AIX

Rhea-AI Summary

Hughes Network Systems has unveiled a revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) for In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity (IFEC) at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg on May 28, 2024. This new technology promises enterprise-grade, low latency, high-speed connectivity for commercial aviation, significantly enhancing the passenger experience.

The compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient ESA is optimized for the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO system and is built at Hughes' facility in Germantown, Maryland. The first units will be shipped in Q4 2024. The ESA leverages core technology from business aviation and enterprise connectivity for a seamless internet experience in the skies. Hughes aims to set new standards in in-flight connectivity with this launch.

Positive

• Introduction of state-of-the-art LEO ESA technology for commercial aviation.
• Compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient design.
• Optimized for the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO system, providing low latency and high-speed connectivity.
• Units are set to ship in Q4 2024, implying readiness for commercial deployment.
• Built on existing, proven technology from business aviation and enterprise connectivity.

Negative

• Potential risks in the adoption and integration of new technology.
• No specific financial figures shared, making it hard to assess immediate economic impact.
• Possible market competition challenges from other in-flight connectivity providers.

The compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient ESA is ideal for airlines

HAMBURG, Germany, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- (Aircraft Interiors Expo, Booth 2B70) – Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), an EchoStar Company (Nasdaq: SATS), unveiled its groundbreaking Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) for In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity (IFEC) at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX). This state-of-the-art technology is poised to transform the aviation industry by providing enterprise-grade, low latency, high-speed connectivity for global commercial aviation.

"The introduction of our Hughes In-Flight Connectivity 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."

The Hughes In-Flight Connectivity 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 the Hughes state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Germantown, Maryland. Optimized for the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO system, the Hughes In-Flight Connectivity LEO ESA will deliver a living room experience to passengers in the skies.

"We are excited about the capabilities of the Hughes In-Flight Connectivity LEO ESA and the benefits it brings to commercial airlines," said 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 Hughes In-Flight Connectivity LEO ESA is not only technologically advanced but also compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient, making it an ideal choice for airlines looking to implement or upgrade their in-flight services without compromising on performance or passenger comfort.

Rasoulian added, "With this launch, Hughes reaffirms its position as a pioneer in the satellite communications industry, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible."

The Hughes In-Flight Connectivity LEO ESA builds on decades of experience with LEO systems and Hughes understanding of the Eutelsat OneWeb system. The first aviation variants are shipping in Q4 2024, with the core technology already in operation.

For more information about the Hughes In-Flight Connectivity LEO ESA, please visit the Hughes website.

About Hughes 

Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar (Nasdaq: SATS) company, 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. 

©2024 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 Hughes LEO ESA for commercial aviation?

The Hughes LEO ESA is a compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient Electronically Steerable Antenna designed for In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity, promising low latency and high-speed internet for passengers.

When was the Hughes LEO ESA unveiled?

The Hughes LEO ESA was unveiled on May 28, 2024, at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.

When will the Hughes LEO ESA be available for commercial use?

The first aviation variants of the Hughes LEO ESA are expected to ship in Q4 2024.

What system is the Hughes LEO ESA optimized for?

The Hughes LEO ESA is optimized for the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO system.

What are the key benefits of the Hughes LEO ESA for airlines?

The key benefits include low latency, high-speed connectivity, compact and lightweight design, and energy efficiency, enhancing passenger internet experience without compromising performance.