SES Expands Multi-Orbit Satellite Connectivity for LATAM Airlines
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
The space solutions company will equip over 60 Airbus and Embraer aircraft with high-speed inflight internet.
SES has been selected by LATAM Airlines to implement multi-orbit inflight connectivity across a growing portion of its fleet, according to reporting from the Financial Post. The agreement involves equipping more than 60 Embraer (E195-E2) and Airbus (A320NEO and A321XLR) aircraft with the service in the coming years.
To facilitate this connectivity, LATAM will become the largest airline in its region to utilize SES's electronically steered array (ESA) antenna. The hardware is less than seven centimeters in height and connects to a multi-orbit satellite network designed to provide consistent coverage regardless of the aircraft's location.
Paulo Miranda, Vice President of Customers at LATAM Airlines Group, stated that the integration of next-generation multi-orbit connectivity is intended to provide passengers with a faster and more reliable internet experience. Mike DeMarco, SES President of Mobility, noted that the service aims to offer passengers the same fast and dependable access they typically experience at home.
This latest deal builds on a nearly decade-long partnership between the two companies. As the Financial Post reported, LATAM currently operates the region’s largest SES-connected fleet, with Wi-Fi installed on more than 250 aircraft, including over 200 A320 family aircraft utilizing 2Ku service.