Industry leaders gathered at the Aircraft Interior Expo (AIX) 2026, in Hamburg to discuss the biggest connectivity challenge the aviation industry is facing, bridging coverage gaps caused by geopolitical complexities and regulatory barriers. During a panel at AIX 2026, Blane Boynton of SES, Reza Rasoulian of Hughes Network Systems, and Eric Peyrucain of Airbus highlighted a fundamental shift in industry strategy: the industry is embracing multi-orbit approaches over single-network solutions.
“SES has been very adamant about multi-orbit as the right way to provide passenger experience… multi-orbit and making use of multiple constellations is the right way to do it, and then doing the software work to keep it seamless is important,” Boynton said. Peyrucain explained Airbus’s broader vision as turning aircraft into a “smartphone with wings,” flexible platforms where airlines can choose their operations and modems just as users pick apps and services on their phones. This strategy allows aircraft to seamlessly transition between GEO and LEO satellites, ensuring continuous connectivity regardless of routing.
Watch the Full Panel Now.
