Shanghai, China – Airbus China Innovation Centre and SkyFive today announced a strategic technology partnership on exploring the development of a 5G Air-to-Ground connectivity solution for the Chinese market. Lu Sun, Head of Airbus China Innovation Centre and Thorsten Robrecht, SkyFive’s CEO signed the cooperation agreement at the 2nd Connected Aircraft China Congress 2020 in Shanghai.

Customers will benefit from true 5G broadband experience whilst providing high-speed internet experience to the passenger and significantly improving operational efficiencies for airlines. Implemented with local telecommunication partners, the solution will transform the inflight connectivity economics providing substantial reduction in costs whilst providing performance benefits.

China has the largest number of mobile internet users in the world. It will become the world’s number one aviation market in the near future and the passenger’s in-flight connectivity will gain priority. With strong local commitment in China and the partnership with China Mobile, Airbus and SkyFive are partnering to develop a 5G Air-to-Ground solution with technology brick demonstration planned for the end of the year. This new Air-to-Ground solution will be available first for the Chinese domestic market and will complement identified capacity constraints of satellite communication solutions.

About SkyFive:
SkyFive is a provider that specialises in Air-to-Ground solutions and services for the aviation market. The team has led its Air-to-Ground solution from early research to large-scale commercial implementation over more than 41 countries in Europe. SkyFive partners with Mobile Operators to deliver true broadband services to airline passengers, enable the massive real-time transfer of aircraft systems data, and provide robust and secure aerial coverage for public safety authorities and novel forms of Urban Air Mobility. The company is headquartered on the Ludwig Bölkow Aerospace and Security Campus in Munich, Germany.

About Airbus:
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2019, it generated revenues of € 70 billion and employed a workforce of around 135,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.