Facebook has announced to work on Airbus on a partnership that could solve the dilemma on shoddy in-flight internet connection earlier this week.
Facebook introduced Aquila which protects to bring internet access to remote parts of the world via drone earlier this year. The idea of introducing internet to the most remote parts of the world could mean finally eliminating parts of flights routes where the internet connection cuts out.
Mark Zuckerberg wrote, “When Aquila premieres, it will be a fleet of solar-powered planes that will beam internet connectivity across the world,” earlier this year. The fleet will be comprised of unmanned aircraft, capable of flying for months at a time.
The social network company announced that it was partnering with Airbus to advance spectrum and aviation policy and continue to demonstrate the viability of High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) system for providing broadband connectivity.
While Airbus may seem like an unlikely partnership for increasing global connectivity, bare in mind that company does more than just build planes whereas the manufacturers also manufactures equipment for space travel, including launchers, satellites and space exploration systems.
The Facebook partnership comes the same week that Airbus Chief Technology Officer Paul Eremenko said in an interview with Bloomberg that the company is investigating a single-pilot and pilotless future for its aircraft.
Airbus investment in Aquila could pay off for the passengers aboard their aircraft. The idea of introducing internet to the most remote parts of the world could mean finally eliminating parts of flights routes where the internet connection cuts out. The internet in flights not only allow passengers to enjoy uninterrupted connectivity, in the events of an emergency but also could means virtual elimination of missing planes by filling in gaps in satellite imagery.
