.webp)
HELSINKI — Finnair (AY) has selected SES to provide internet connectivity for its 18 upcoming Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, the airline announced on November 2. The aircraft are scheduled to join its European fleet starting in the third quarter of 2027.
Under the agreement, Embraer will install SES’s electronically steered array antenna during aircraft production. The system will connect to a multi-orbit network combining SES’s geostationary satellites with low Earth orbit capacity from Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation. SES expects the first connected aircraft to enter service in 2027.
Factory installation makes the equipment part of the new aircraft’s delivery configuration, rather than a later retrofit of an aircraft already in service.
Connectivity for the New Regional Fleet
The selection follows Finnair’s March agreement for 18 firm E195-E2 orders, 16 options and 12 purchase rights. The aircraft will have 134 seats and are planned to be operated by Finnair’s partner Norra, which flies regional services for the airline.
Finnair’s March announcement schedules the first deliveries for the third quarter of 2027. Delivery and entry into passenger service are separate milestones; the connectivity announcements do not give an exact date for the first connected passenger flight.
Airways previously covered Finnair’s selection of the E195-E2 for its narrowbody fleet.
What Passengers Can Expect
Finnair says the service is intended to let customers stream content, work online and use digital services in flight.
Simon Large, Finnair’s chief customer officer, said the partnership would bring “a home-like broadband experience” to customers. “Inflight Wi-Fi is a core part of the travel experience,” said Blane Boynton, senior vice president aviation at SES.
Neither company’s November 2 announcement specifies passenger pricing, whether access will be complimentary, or download and upload speeds.
Featured image: Finnair
.webp)