Japan Airlines expand multi-orbit connectivity to long-haul fleet
A Japan Airlines A350-900 in flight, part of the carrier’s long-haul fleet set to receive SES’s multi-orbit inflight connectivity system
SES has secured a new agreement with Japan Airlines to deliver multi-orbit inflight connectivity across the carrier’s long-haul fleet, marking a significant step in the airline’s digital service strategy.
Under the deal, Japan Airlines will equip 41 widebody aircraft with SES’s multi-orbit electronically steered antenna system. This includes linefit installations on 20 A350-900 aircraft and 10 787-9 aircraft, along with retrofit installations on an additional 787-9 aircraft. Linefit deliveries are expected to begin in 2028.
The agreement builds on a longstanding partnership between the two companies, with SES having supported JAL’s connectivity initiatives since 2013. The airline previously selected the same ESA system for its 737-8 fleet, with those deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.
SES’s ESA technology is designed to enable seamless switching between satellite orbits, combining geostationary coverage with Low Earth Orbit partner constellations. This multi-orbit approach allows airlines to deliver more consistent connectivity, offering broader global coverage and lower latency compared to traditional single-orbit systems.
“Japan Airlines’ passengers will benefit from multi-orbit connectivity delivering fast, dependable internet access with wide coverage and low latency,” said Enrique Villasenor, Vice President of Global Airline Partnerships at SES. He added that expanding the service to JAL’s A350 and 787 fleet reinforces the airline’s position at the forefront of inflight service innovation.
For Japan Airlines, the move reflects a broader effort to enhance the onboard experience for international travelers. The airline has been an early adopter of inflight connectivity, introducing free internet service on domestic routes in 2017.
“SES has been a trusted partner of JAL since 2013,” said Junko Sakihara, Deputy Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at Japan Airlines. “Our decision to provide SES inflight connectivity to our long-haul passengers is driven by the system’s multi-orbit redundancy, reliability and continuous innovation.”
With installations planned across its long-haul fleet, JAL is positioning connectivity as a core component of its passenger experience, aligning with growing expectations for seamless, high-speed internet access in the air.
