Soaring to New Heights:

The Innovative Force Behind In-Flight Connectivity

A headshot of Reza Rasoulian in front of a background of in-flight connectivity technologies from Hughes in action.

For decades, Hughes has been the unsung hero powering connectivity solutions across various industries. While our name might not always be front and center, our technological backbone has been the trusted foundation for countless networks worldwide. This is especially true in the skies, where for the past 17 years, our teams have quietly been the driving force behind many in-flight connectivity (IFC) brands, ensuring passengers stay connected thousands of feet above the ground.

 

 

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In 2023, the landscape of IFC began to shift. One of the world's leading airlines, renowned for its commitment to passenger experience, embarked on a quest for the next evolution of in-flight Wi-Fi. Their evaluation process led to a surprising discovery: many of the major providers they were considering shared a common thread – Hughes technology at their core. Recognizing Hughes as the true innovator, the airline engaged directly, forging a powerful partnership that signaled a new era for us in the aviation sector.  

 

Spearheading this exciting chapter is Reza Rasoulian, SVP & GM of the Aviation Business Unit at Hughes. His leadership is at the helm of our in-flight connectivity teams, developing offerings that promise airlines and their passengers a flexible and future-proof approach to keeping their passengers connected. The team, under Reza's guidance, is challenging industry norms with AI-driven monitoring capabilities and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Because, as Reza recognizes, in this dynamic industry, "good enough isn't enough anymore."

 

“Hughes is committed to giving airlines more control over their passenger experience through real-time data, and providing an optimal passenger experience via our innovative multi constellation-LEO, and GEO capacity. Because in the fast-evolving world of aviation, good enough isn’t enough anymore"

— Reza Rasoulian, SVP & GM of the Hughes Aviation Business Unit

 

The future of IFC, as envisioned by Reza and his teams, transcends simply staying online. It's about staying ahead of the curve. This is where we are built to lead, embodying core values of trust, challenging the status quo, listening to partners, an obsession with quality and future-proofing connectivity (and removing “constellation lock”). Our vertically integrated service provider model encompasses a comprehensive portfolio, from cutting-edge Electronically Steered Antennas and satellite expertise to highly automated manufacturing and award-winning FUSION in-flight connectivity services. FUSION, a multi-band, multi-orbit and dynamic solution, seamlessly combines LEO and GEO services to deliver a home—or office—like Wi-Fi experience throughout the entire flight, ensuring reliable high-speed connectivity even over busy airport hubs and optimized for always-on performance, regardless of the route or region.  

 

Innovation is deeply ingrained into our IFC approach. Our predictive AI technology proactively anticipates and resolves connectivity challenges, ensuring a smarter and uninterrupted experience for passengers, while an intelligent self-service portal empowers TechOps, Customer Experience teams and others with readily accessible insights, boosting performance and building confidence. This marks a new standard in IFC—one where staying connected means staying ahead.

 

 

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Under Reza's leadership, our Global Aviation Business Unit has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a small team to over 50 members in less than two years—and we are just getting started. This rapid expansion underscores the exciting momentum and the vast opportunities available within this dynamic team.

 

For those seeking a career at the forefront of technological innovation within a rapidly expanding sector, Reza Rasoulian's leadership and our in-flight connectivity teams offer a compelling proposition. This isn't just about providing a service; it's about revolutionizing the passenger experience and shaping the future of how we connect in the skies. Joining Hughes means becoming part of a team that values innovation, collaboration and a relentless drive to be the best. It's an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking technology, work alongside industry leaders and be part of a journey that is truly taking flight. With Reza at the helm, our in-flight connectivity teams are not just connecting planes; they are connecting the world in a smarter, faster and more reliable way than ever before. If you're ready to be part of this exciting ascent, Hughes is the place to be.

 

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