SES announced that Japan Airlines (JAL) has selected SES to deliver new multi-orbit inflight connectivity (IFC) for its Airbus and Boeing long-haul fleet, supporting the airline?s ongoing commitment to an onboard experience that enables passengers to stay connected with fast, dependable internet access. Under the agreement, JAL will install SES?s multi-orbit electronically steered antenna (ESA) system on 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft (linefit), 10 Boeing 787-9 aircraft (linefit) and 11 Boeing 787-9 aircraft (retrofit). Linefit deliveries are expected to begin in 2028.
JAL is enhancing the customer experience on its international long-haul fleet, building on its prior order of SES?s multi-orbit electronically steered antenna (ESA) system for its Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. Electronically steered antennas are low-profile and support multi-orbit operations, leveraging both geostationary coverage and Low Earth Orbit partner constellations to deliver broad coverage and low latency. JAL?s inflight connectivity evolution builds on more than a decade of continuous investment in onboard digital services.
SES has been a trusted partner of JAL since 2013. JAL was among the first airlines in the world to offer free service for all passengers flying on its domestic routes starting in 2017. The decision to provide the SES inflight connectivity to long-haul passengers is due to the multi-orbit redundancy, reliability and continuous innovation.
