Japan Airlines Expands Multi-Orbit Connectivity to Long-Haul Fleet with SES
Event summary
- Japan Airlines (JAL) selected SES to provide multi-orbit inflight connectivity (IFC) for its long-haul fleet, including 20 Airbus A350-900 and 21 Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
- Installations will begin in 2028, with linefit deliveries expected for the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
- JAL has been a SES customer since 2013 and previously ordered SES’s multi-orbit electronically steered antenna (ESA) system for its Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2027.
- The agreement builds on JAL’s decade-long investment in onboard digital services, including offering free inflight connectivity on domestic routes since 2017.
The big picture
This deal underscores the growing demand for advanced inflight connectivity solutions as airlines seek to enhance passenger experience and differentiate their services. The partnership between SES and JAL highlights the strategic importance of multi-orbit systems in providing reliable, low-latency internet access, a trend likely to accelerate as more airlines upgrade their fleets. The scale of the agreement, involving dozens of aircraft, signals a significant investment in technology that could set a new standard for long-haul connectivity.
What we're watching
- Technology Integration
- How SES will manage the integration of multi-orbit systems across JAL’s diverse long-haul fleet, ensuring seamless connectivity and low latency.
- Market Leadership
- Whether JAL’s investment in next-generation inflight connectivity will solidify its position as a leader in passenger experience innovation.
- Execution Risk
- The pace at which SES can deliver and install the new systems, given the scale of the fleet upgrade and the timeline for linefit deliveries starting in 2028.
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