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Hamburg, Germany, 16 April 2026 – Airbus and TCI Aircraft Interiors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to add TCI as a provider for HBCplus satellite connectivity solutions.

With this agreement, Turkish cabin specialist TCI Aircraft Interiors is set to become an official Managed Service Provider (MSP) for Airbus’ HBCplus solution. This strategic integration reinforces the strong partnership between Airbus and Turkish Airlines and positions TCI as a key new player in the global in-flight connectivity (IFC) market with the support of STEP (Strategic Türkiye Enhanced Programme).

The collaboration will initially focus on providing a proposal for Turkish Airlines’ Airbus aircraft with the advanced HBCplus solution. Under this agreement, TCI and Airbus will work towards integrating TCI into the Airbus line-fit offer. As a Managed Services Provider, TCI will be able to offer a comprehensive, "one-stop-shop" connectivity solution to any airline choosing Airbus HBCplus. TCI will deliver seamless, high-speed connectivity by integrating satellite capacity from global leaders, including SES and Turksat. This multi-source approach ensures robust coverage across Turkish Airlines' expanding global network as well for future customers.

Tim Sommer, VP Connected Aircraft at Airbus says: "We are delighted to cooperate with TCI Aircraft Interiors on the HBCplus solution. This partnership with TCI as a new global MSP is reinforced by the trust Turkish Airlines has in our solution as a launch customer.” He adds: “By cooperating with TCI, Airbus aims to enhance its HBCplus offer for all operators, with a mature, future-proof connectivity solution and even greater choice in the line-fit market."

Müjdat Uludağ, CEO at TCI says: "Airbus and TCI working together to enable TCI in the  Airbus’ HBCplus catalogue proves the maturity and reliability of Turkish Aviation Engineering. We are proud to serve Turkish Airlines as a launch customer for the new aircraft  with our 'one-stop-shop' solution, offering global operators high-speed, multi-orbit connectivity. This partnership with Airbus validates TCI’s growth into a leading IFC provider, ready to deliver the next generation of low-latency, LEO-powered services."

The partnership highlights a commitment to future-proof technology. TCI currently utilises a multi-orbit network, delivering service via GEO (Geostationary) and MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) satellites. Crucially, the roadmap for TCI’s service includes the integration of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) connectivity, promising the next generation of lower latency and higher speeds for all Airbus operators in the near future.

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Contacts

Ozge Topkaya

AIRBUS | Türkiye

Sandrine Cazes

AIRBUS | Commercial Aircraft

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