SES wins multi-orbit in-flight connectivity deals with Finnair and Air Astana
SES · Finnair · Air Astana · Eutelsat
SES will equip Finnair's 18 new Embraer jets and Air Astana's A321LR fleet with multi-orbit in-flight Wi-Fi.
what happened
SES announced November 2 it will equip 18 new Finnair Embraer E195-E2 aircraft with its multi-orbit in-flight connectivity service, combining SES's geostationary satellites with Eutelsat OneWeb low-Earth-orbit capacity; the aircraft are due to join Finnair's European fleet starting in the third quarter of 2027, per SES's own release. SES separately said Air Astana's first Airbus A321LR aircraft fitted with SES's electronically steered array antenna entered commercial service October 29, with deployment continuing across the airline's A321LR fleet through 2027; the service is complimentary for all passengers through January 2027, after which it remains free for business-class passengers and the airline's Gold and Diamond loyalty tiers, per SES and paxex.aero.
why it matters
Two more named carriers with concrete fleet and timeline commitments extend SES and Eutelsat's push into in-flight connectivity, a market Starlink is also expanding into with its own growing airline roster; the deals give SES fresh proof points for its multi-orbit pitch even without disclosed contract values.