SES, a global space solutions provider, has announced a new agreement with Japan Airlines (JAL) to deliver advanced multi-orbit inflight connectivity (IFC) across the airline’s long-haul fleet. The collaboration aims to enhance onboard digital services by enabling passengers to access high-speed, reliable internet throughout their journey.
As part of the agreement, JAL will deploy SES’s multi-orbit electronically steered antenna (ESA) systems across a significant number of aircraft. This includes linefit installations on 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft and 10 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, along with retrofit installations on 11 Boeing 787-9 aircraft currently in operation. The rollout of linefit deliveries is scheduled to commence in 2028.
The initiative marks a continued expansion of JAL’s long-standing relationship with SES, building on over a decade of collaboration. The airline has previously committed to installing SES’s ESA systems on its Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
The ESA technology represents a new generation of inflight connectivity solutions. Designed with a low-profile form factor, these antennas enable seamless switching between multiple satellite orbits, including geostationary and low Earth orbit networks. This integration ensures consistent coverage, reduced latency, and improved connection speeds for passengers on long-haul routes.
Enrique Villasenor, Vice President of Global Airline Partnerships at SES, stated that the deployment will deliver a superior connectivity experience for Japan Airlines’ passengers. He noted that the solution offers fast, dependable internet with broad global coverage, further strengthening the airline’s inflight service capabilities. He added that the agreement reflects the strength of the long-term partnership between the two companies and supports JAL’s continued focus on enhancing passenger experience through technology.
JAL has consistently invested in onboard connectivity and digital innovation as part of its customer experience strategy. The airline was among the first globally to introduce complimentary inflight internet services on domestic routes in 2017, setting a benchmark for passenger convenience.
Junko Sakihara, Deputy Senior Vice President – Customer Experience at Japan Airlines, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating that SES has remained a reliable partner since 2013. She emphasized that the decision to extend SES’s inflight connectivity solutions to long-haul operations is driven by the system’s reliability, multi-orbit redundancy, and ongoing technological advancements.
Headquartered in Luxembourg, SES delivers satellite-enabled connectivity solutions to governments, businesses, and communities worldwide. With a combined legacy strengthened by its acquisition of Intelsat, the company continues to expand its capabilities across multi-orbit satellite infrastructure and terrestrial networks, supporting seamless, high-quality connectivity across air, land, and sea.
