SES and Boeing Advance Factory-Installed Multi-Orbit Connectivity Systems

This article is based on an official press release from SES.

Satellite communications provider SES and aerospace manufacturer Boeing have achieved a significant milestone in integrating multi-orbit connectivity systems directly into commercial aircraft during the manufacturing process. According to a company press release issued on April 14, 2026, the two companies are advancing toward full line-fit offerability for SES’s multi-orbit antenna systems.

This development means that airlines will soon be able to receive new Boeing aircraft with the necessary in-cabin hardware network already installed at the factory. By completing these installations during production, airlines can activate connectivity services immediately upon delivery, bypassing the need for lengthy aftermarket modifications.

The initial rollout of this factory-installed solution will target the Boeing 737 aircraft family, with plans to expand offerability to the Boeing 787 widebody airplanes in the future, as stated in the official announcement.

Advancing Factory-Installed Satellite Networks

The Path to Full Line-Fit Offerability

The collaboration between SES and Boeing represents a major shift in how in-flight connectivity hardware is integrated into commercial fleets. In its press release, SES noted that Boeing will handle the installation of the complete in-cabin network and manage the coordination required for external equipment mounting. This factory-level integration is the first critical step toward offering the multi-orbit system as a standard, line-fit option across all of Boeing’s commercial aviation programs.

By shifting the installation process to the production line, the aerospace industry aims to reduce aircraft downtime and simplify the supply-chain for airlines seeking to upgrade their passenger experience.

“We are on track for full line-fit offerability, giving airlines a seamless path to select and install the multi-orbit electronically steered array (ESA) antenna solution during aircraft factory production,” said Mike DeMarco, president of Mobility at SES, in the company’s press release.

LEO and GEO Integration

Current Installation Milestones

The SES connectivity system is designed to operate across both low-Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary (GEO) satellite constellations. According to the company’s press release, this dual-orbit capability provides global coverage, network redundancy, and low-latency performance for passengers and crew.

Market adoption of the SES multi-orbit electronically steered array (ESA) system has already reached notable figures. The company disclosed that it has completed 500 installations to date, with an additional 1,000 commitments currently in its pipeline.

“Our collaboration with SES reflects Boeing’s commitment to delivering advanced, reliable connectivity to our airline customers,” stated Destry Lucas, Director of Airplane Connectivity at Boeing. “We are making strong progress bringing multi-orbit connectivity into the production environment, enabling a more streamlined installation approach and supporting scalable, line-fit capable solutions.”

Industry Implications

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the push for line-fit offerability is a critical competitive differentiator in the commercial in-flight connectivity market. Historically, airlines have had to take newly delivered aircraft out of service to install satellite radomes and internal networking gear, resulting in lost revenue and logistical bottlenecks.

By securing a pathway to line-fit status with a major original equipment manufacturer like Boeing, SES positions its multi-orbit ESA technology as a highly accessible option for fleet modernization. The specific targeting of the Boeing 737 and 787 programs covers both the high-volume narrowbody market and the long-haul widebody sector, maximizing the potential footprint for SES’s LEO and GEO network services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is line-fit offerability?

Line-fit offerability means that an aircraft manufacturer installs specific equipment, such as satellite antennas and Wi-Fi networks, directly on the factory assembly line before the aircraft is delivered to the airline.

Which aircraft will receive the SES system first?

According to the SES press release, the initial offerability will begin with the Boeing 737, followed by the Boeing 787 airplanes.

What is a multi-orbit connectivity system?

A multi-orbit system utilizes satellites in different orbital altitudes, such as low-Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO), to provide a balance of low latency, high bandwidth, and global coverage.

Sources: SES