SES has reached agreements in principle with several regional satellite network operators to launch the SES Open Orbits Inflight Connectivity (IFC) Network. The network enables seamless connectivity services to airlines around the world.
This fully interoperable Ka-band platform will combine the geostationary earth orbit (GEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite networks of SES; NEO Space Group (NSG), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF); AeroSat Link (ASL), a subsidiary of China Satcom; and Hughes Communications India (HCI).
SES Open Orbits aims to enable satellite operators with regional satellite coverage to be able to participate in a worldwide IFC service offering to airlines. It will support an open architecture network where traffic can be intelligently steered from one interoperable Ka-band network to another for a seamless connected airline passenger experience across the satellites of multiple parties.
The global inflight connectivity network will use multi-orbit and multi-waveform capacity offered by regional connectivity service partners and SES to deliver resilient services, such as quality video, data, and communications offerings like those offered on the ground.
“By spearheading the creation of SES Open Orbits using an open architecture that supports multiple orbits and multiple waveforms, SES is enabling more satellite operators and inflight service providers to participate in the global market for inflight connectivity,” said Elias Zaccack, Global Head of Aviation for SES.
Philippe Carette, Head of Aerospace Segment of PIF, commented: “Through the combination of our satellite network across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and SES Open Orbits, we are setting new expectations across the inflight connectivity market, delivering a superior performance that goes well above and beyond traditional industry standards.”
As SES is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) of Airbus’s HBCplus programme, SES Open Orbits network will also be easily accessible through to airlines who are part of that programme. Through Safran Passenger Innovations, SES is also working on offering SES Open Orbits on Boeing aircraft through the Boeing TSA process.
