What is Airbus Airspace Link?

Airspace Link* is Airbus’ standardised on-board hardware and software infrastructure available as both line-fit and retrofit for the Airbus A320 and A330 Family aircraft. It enables a number of on-board digital services including integration of wireless in-flight entertainment (W-IFE).

*Airspace Link is the new brand name for Airbus’ Open Software Platform (OSP). Airbus rebranded the platform as Airspace Link at AIX 2022.

Airbus Airspace Link is fully compatible with the aircraft manufacturer’s ambitious “Airbus Connected Experience” which is pioneering the Internet of Things (IoT) in the aircraft cabin and paving the way for a new personalised passenger experience and an open ecosystem approach for airlines.

Bluebox was the first W-IFE partner selected by an airline customer for the original Airbus OSP programme in 2019. This kicked off the core integration work and a series of system tests to ensure Bluebox’s wireless base software suite passed Airbus’ quality standards.

Bluebox delivered first Airbus Airspace Link integration

In 2020, Bluebox delivered the first integration of W-IFE software into Airspace Link. Deployed with customer Titan Airways, an independent charter airline in the UK, the system was part of a line-fit installation on the carrier’s first new Airbus A321LR delivered from Airbus to Titan on 26 October 2020 (read more).

James Macrae, Chief Technology Officer, Bluebox: “To be the first IFE vendor with a proven working W-IFE system on Airbus OSP is a really exciting position to be in right now – especially within the context of something as significant and complex as Airbus’ overall IoT programme. It was a strategic investment for us before COVID-19 and remains so as W-IFE is set to make real gains in the post-COVID world thanks to the ease of deployment and emphasis on touchless travel solutions. Enabling that final link to passenger devices – for entertainment, retail, and other in-flight engagement applications – from the point of aircraft delivery will become the new standard, and we’ve proven we can deliver it.”

Bluebox’s recent Airspace Link projects demonstrate the flexibility of the system Bluebox has developed for its Airbus Airspace Link integration to handle custom enhancements and the level of support customers will receive when selecting Bluebox as their Airspace Link W-IFE partner.

Bluebox’s Airbus Airspace Link Lab

Supporting customer projects as part of the original Airbus OSP programme, Bluebox set up an Airspace Link lab at the company’s facilities in Scotland. The lab includes the Aircraft Communication Manager (ACM) – a media server hosting the Airbus ALNA/OSP software platform, a test harness for simulation of aircraft systems interfacing with the media server (such as ARINC data for moving maps, and the PA system for PA Pause), a 4G cellular gatelink capability, and a Wireless Access Point of the same type to be used in the line-fit solution.

Bluebox’s Blueview digital platform – line-fit to portable – across a fleet

The Airbus Airspace Link solution complements Bluebox’s other W-IFE platforms, providing customers options for different aircraft in a fleet. For new Airbus A320 or A330 aircraft, Airspace Link with Blueview is an obvious and proven choice. And for other aircraft – different types or from other airframers? Deploying Blueview on Bluebox Wow is a simple and cost-effective way to deploy W-IFE where the costs of installing a new system might be prohibitive.

Regardless of your fleet mix, speak to Bluebox – line-fit or portable, the consistency of a Blueview digital passenger experience across your fleet will enhance your passengers’ journeys and help you generate revenue, all from your passengers’ own devices.