LATAM Selects SES Multi-Orbit Wi-Fi for 60+ New Jets

LATAM Airlines has signed a multi-year agreement with satellite operator SES to install next-generation LATAM Airlines Wi-Fi capabilities on more than 60 incoming narrowbody aircraft. This major fleet upgrade introduces SES multi-orbit connectivity utilizing an ultra-low-profile Electronically Steered Array antenna to deliver high-speed, low-latency LATAM inflight internet directly to passenger cabins. The deployment, scheduled to roll out through 2026 and 2027, will significantly expand the carrier's digital footprint across its South American network.

This upgrade represents a critical evolutionary step for inflight connectivity (IFC) in Latin America. By transitioning from legacy single-orbit systems to a multi-orbit network, LATAM is addressing the growing passenger demand for seamless, home-equivalent internet speeds while in transit. The integration of low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites ensures that aircraft maintain continuous, high-bandwidth coverage even when traversing remote regions or crossing international borders, eliminating the coverage gaps that historically plagued regional aviation.

Fleet Integration and Regulatory Approvals

Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, SES's official contract announcement confirms that the new multi-orbit Wi-Fi technology will be fitted on more than 60 incoming Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321XLR, and Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. To facilitate this high-speed data transfer, the aircraft will be equipped with a cutting-edge electronically steered array (ESA) antenna. This advanced hardware features an exceptionally low profile, measuring less than 7 centimeters in height. By minimizing the physical size of the antenna radome, LATAM aims to mitigate the aerodynamic drag penalties typically associated with older, bulkier mechanical satellite domes, thereby preserving fuel efficiency on its next-generation fleet.

The implementation of this technology requires strict regulatory compliance. The installation of the ESA antennas on the incoming fleet must be authorized through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) issued by relevant aviation regulators, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC). These approvals ensure that the physical modifications do not compromise the aerodynamic, structural, or electrical integrity of the aircraft.

The deal yields substantial strategic benefits for multiple stakeholders. For SES, securing this contract solidifies its position as a leading IFC provider in the Americas, expanding its active LATAM-connected fleet beyond its current footprint. Passengers will directly benefit from a highly responsive internet experience, allowing for seamless video streaming, web browsing, and real-time communication. Additionally, Eutelsat OneWeb, which serves as the LEO network partner for SES's aviation distribution, will see increased utilization of its satellite constellation as LATAM's newly equipped fleet begins commercial operations.

Historical Context and Legacy Upgrades

This fleet upgrade builds upon a decade-long partnership between the two companies. In the mid-2010s, LATAM initiated its first major IFC deployment by equipping over 200 Airbus A320 family aircraft with SES's older-generation 2Ku connectivity services. That initial rollout established a foundational passenger Wi-Fi network across South America. Today, LATAM operates the largest SES-connected fleet in the Americas, with more than 250 Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft currently in service.

The transition from legacy 2Ku systems to next-generation multi-orbit ESA technology marks a significant technological leap. While the older 2Ku systems relied on mechanically steered antennas connecting solely to high-altitude GEO satellites, the new ESA antennas communicate simultaneously with both GEO and LEO constellations. This dual-layer approach dramatically reduces latency—the delay in data transmission—while providing redundant coverage paths to prevent dropouts during flight.

Inside the Multi-Orbit Latency Shift

The shift to multi-orbit architecture represents a structural transformation in how airlines manage cabin bandwidth. Historically, geostationary satellites, positioned approximately 35,786 kilometers above the equator, provided broad geographic coverage but suffered from latency delays of half a second or more due to the physical distance data had to travel. By integrating LEO satellites, which orbit at altitudes of under 2,000 kilometers, data transmission delays are reduced to a fraction of their former levels. This development indicates that the aviation industry is moving rapidly toward a standard where inflight internet is indistinguishable from terrestrial fiber-optic networks. For network operators, managing a hybrid GEO-LEO system requires sophisticated routing software to dynamically switch connections between satellite constellations based on flight path, bandwidth demand, and signal strength, ensuring optimal performance throughout the flight.

Delivery Timelines and Milestone Tracking

The rollout of the new multi-orbit Wi-Fi systems is tied directly to LATAM's fleet delivery schedule over the coming years. The first milestone in this deployment is expected in Q4 2026, when LATAM Airlines Brazil is scheduled to introduce its new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft equipped with the SES ESA antennas into commercial service. Following this initial entry, the integration of the technology will expand further in 2027 with the expected arrival of LATAM's first Airbus A321XLR aircraft. These long-range narrowbodies, designed for extended trans-continental routes, will rely heavily on the multi-orbit network to maintain high-speed connectivity across vast geographic areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable.

Why High-Speed Cabin Connectivity Matters

For commercial airlines, onboard Wi-Fi has transitioned from a premium novelty to an essential operational and customer-experience benchmark. As business travelers increasingly demand the ability to work productively during flights, airlines that offer reliable, low-latency connectivity gain a distinct competitive advantage in securing high-yield corporate contracts. Furthermore, the ability to support high-speed internet allows carriers to explore new ancillary revenue streams, digital partnerships, and real-time operational data tracking, positioning LATAM to maintain its leadership position in the highly competitive Latin American aviation market.