SkyFive is introducing a new triple-path inflight connectivity service, which integrates three networks in Central Europe to achieve high capacity, ubiquitous coverage and minimal size and weight of the airborne equipment. The service will first be validated on a smaller aircraft, including business aircraft.

For the first time ever, the new service integrates a broadband air-to-ground (A2G) network from SkyFive, a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) from EchoStar Mobile and a terrestrial 4G/5G network. This enables triple-path communication across multiple distinct data links. The NTN component will be upgradable to 5G New Radio (5GNR), featuring full interoperability between satellites and user terminals from different vendors, based on open 3GPP standards.

Alongside the new network, Diehl Aviation and SkyFive are collaborating on a new airborne terminal that extends the existing offering to smaller aircraft. The centrepiece is Diehl's High Performance Controller (HPC), an ultra-compact, all-in-one line-replaceable unit that supports all the mentioned networks. Sequans provides the highly integrated chipset for the A2G modem, which implements the patented SkyFive algorithms. EchoStar Mobile delivers the NTN modem and corresponding satellite service.

The network will initially be used for testing triple-path communications across A2G, NTN and terrestrial 4G/5G networks to provide fast yet affordable internet access for passengers and enable new use cases for operational communications, which require high reliability and link redundancy. Another objective is to make inflight connectivity more accessible for smaller aircraft, including business jets, by considerably reducing the size, weight and power consumption of the airborne equipment.

“A2G and NTN are complementary technologies based on common open standards and supported by the vast mobile communication ecosystem,” says Dirk Lindemeier, CCO of SkyFive. “Integrating both into a single compact package yields an optimal combination of data performance, service coverage, and minimal size and weight of the airborne equipment.”

“We at EchoStar Mobile are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking triple-path inflight connectivity service. This aligns with our corporate mission to connect people and things. We look forward to enhancing the passenger experience and operational communications through our collaboration with SkyFive and Diehl Aviation,” adds Telemaco Melia, vice president and general manager, EchoStar Mobile.

“We are proud to contribute our cutting-edge technology to this groundbreaking achievement with SkyFive,” remarks Olivier Pauzet, EVP of marketing and strategy at Sequans. “The A2G modem will enable a multitude of new and innovative airborne communication applications. Its high-performance capabilities, including an extended cell range and reliable operation at high aircraft speeds, meet the most demanding avionics requirements.”