Airbus Interiors Services and inflight entertainment and communications provider Aerkomm are partnering to develop a retrofit solution for the Aerkomm K++ connectivity system. The retrofit solution will first be installed on Hong Kong Airlines’ fleet of 12 Airbus A320 aircraft, along with Aerkomm subsidiary Aircom Pacific’s AirCinema solution for “supersized screen display.”

Airbus first agreed to develop, install and certify the Aerkomm K++ system to EASA and FAA certification standards in November 2018 on a prototype A320. Under the latest agreement, announced this week, its subsidiary Airbus Interiors Services will use its Design Organization Approval to provide and certify a complete retrofit solution.

Airbus Interiors Services will develop EASA and FAA certified service bulletins, supply related aircraft modification kits, install the Aerkomm K++ Connectivity Solution on A320 family aircraft and provide on-site technical support for the retrofits. It will also provide support for additional National Airworthiness Authorities certification as required and support integration of Aerkom K++ components on the aircraft, including ARINC 791 structural reinforcements and related engineering work.

The Aerkom K++ system is intended to provide passengers with an “at home” network experience using Ka-band technology that gives passengers free access to on-board WiFi via their personal devices. Aerkomm says the system will be compatible with the next generation of LEO satellite technologies.

“This agreement, as the first application of our technology to a commercial airline passenger fleet, is a milestone in the commercialization of our Aerkomm K++ IFEC system,” says Airkomm CEO Louis Giordimaina. “We look forward to furthering our partnership with Airbus to implement our industry-leading technology.”