SES and Japan Airlines Partner to Elevate Inflight Connectivity Across Long Haul Fleet

A next generation multi orbit satellite solution promises faster, seamless internet onboard, redefining the digital travel experience for long haul passengers

In a strategic move that signals the future of connected air travel, SES has partnered with Japan Airlines to deliver advanced multi orbit inflight connectivity across the airline’s long haul fleet. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing passenger experience through high speed, reliable, and globally consistent internet access at cruising altitude.

As part of the agreement, Japan Airlines will deploy SES’s cutting edge electronically steered antenna system across a substantial portion of its wide body aircraft. The rollout will include installation on 20 Airbus A350 900 aircraft, along with both linefit and retrofit installations on 21 Boeing 787 9 aircraft. Linefit deliveries are expected to begin in 2028, aligning with the airline’s broader strategy of modernising its onboard digital ecosystem.

This initiative builds upon a longstanding relationship between the two companies, which spans more than a decade. Japan Airlines has consistently positioned itself as a leader in inflight connectivity innovation, having introduced complimentary onboard internet services for domestic passengers as early as 2017. The latest expansion into long haul connectivity reflects a continued commitment to delivering a seamless and elevated travel experience for international passengers.

At the heart of this transformation lies SES’s multi orbit technology, which integrates both geostationary and low Earth orbit satellite networks. This hybrid approach ensures broader coverage, reduced latency, and greater reliability compared to traditional single orbit systems. The electronically steered antennas, designed to be low profile and highly efficient, enable aircraft to maintain uninterrupted connectivity even across remote and high traffic flight paths.

For passengers, the implications are significant. The new system is expected to deliver faster browsing speeds, smoother streaming, and more stable connections, allowing travellers to remain productive, entertained, and connected throughout their journey. In an era where digital connectivity is no longer a luxury but an expectation, such advancements are redefining the standards of inflight service.

According to Enrique Villasenor, Vice President of Global Airline Partnerships at SES, the partnership represents a natural progression in delivering next generation connectivity solutions. He emphasised that the deployment across Japan Airlines’ Airbus and Boeing long haul fleet will enable passengers to benefit from high performance internet access with wide coverage and minimal latency. The initiative, he noted, further strengthens the airline’s leadership in inflight service innovation.

From Japan Airlines’ perspective, the decision to expand its inflight connectivity offering is rooted in both technological reliability and customer centricity. Junko Sakihara, Deputy Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at the airline, highlighted the importance of multi orbit redundancy and continuous innovation in delivering a superior onboard experience. She reaffirmed that SES has been a trusted partner since 2013 and that this collaboration will play a crucial role in enhancing the airline’s global service standards.

The move also reflects broader trends within the aviation and telecommunications industries, where airlines are increasingly investing in digital infrastructure to differentiate their offerings. As passengers demand uninterrupted connectivity for work, communication, and entertainment, inflight internet is becoming a key factor influencing airline choice and brand loyalty.

For SES, the partnership underscores its position as a leading provider of space based connectivity solutions. With a network that combines satellite and terrestrial infrastructure, the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in global communications. Following its integration with Intelsat, SES now brings together over a century of combined expertise, enabling it to deliver resilient and scalable connectivity solutions across industries.

As the aviation sector embraces digital transformation, collaborations like this are setting new benchmarks for passenger experience. The integration of multi orbit satellite technology not only enhances connectivity but also represents a shift towards more intelligent and adaptive service models in air travel.

Looking ahead, the SES and Japan Airlines partnership is poised to redefine how passengers experience connectivity in the skies. By bridging technological innovation with customer expectations, it offers a glimpse into a future where seamless digital access becomes an integral part of every journey, regardless of distance or destination.