Finnair Equips 18 E2 Jets With SES Connectivity
The Embraer E195-E2 fleet will receive multi-orbit inflight connectivity combining geostationary and low-earth orbit satellite services.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Air Travel
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Finnair has agreed with SES to equip 18 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft with multi-orbit inflight connectivity. The aircraft will be line-fitted at Embraer with SES electronically steered array antenna technology.
Why it matters
Connectivity is becoming an increasingly important part of the overall air travel experience for passengers worldwide. The arrangement also draws on Eutelsat's low-earth orbit capacity, which is part of the SES multi-orbit network.
The agreement covers 18 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, to be line-fitted at Embraer with SES electronically steered array antenna technology. The source does not disclose financial terms or a per-aircraft cost.
The players
Finnair
Finnair is the flag carrier airline of Finland, based in Helsinki, and operates a network serving Europe, Asia and North America.
SES
SES is a global satellite operator headquartered in Luxembourg that provides geostationary and multi-orbit connectivity services to airlines and other customers.
Eutelsat
Eutelsat is a European satellite operator that runs a low-earth orbit constellation supplying capacity to the SES multi-orbit network.
Embraer
Embraer is a Brazilian aerospace manufacturer that builds the E195-E2 regional jet and will line-fit the aircraft with the connectivity hardware.
The details
The SES multi-orbit network combines SES geostationary satellite services with low-earth orbit capacity from Eutelsat, which the source describes as Europe's only operational LEO constellation. Passengers will be able to stream content, work online and access digital services onboard once the connected aircraft are in service.
Timeline
18-19 November 2026: SES exhibits at APEX FTE EXPO in Singapore.
2027: The first connected aircraft is expected to enter service.
Roadmap
The deal builds on SES's multi-orbit network, which pairs geostationary satellites with Eutelsat's low-earth orbit constellation to offer airlines a combined service. It places the E195-E2 fleet within a broader push by satellite operators to supply inflight connectivity as a standard feature of commercial aviation.
Travelers flying Finnair's E195-E2 aircraft once they are equipped will be able to stream content, work online and use digital services in the air. The source does not indicate which routes or flight schedules will use the connected aircraft, so passengers should check a specific flight's equipment before booking if onboard connectivity matters to them.
The takeaway
Onboard connectivity is moving from a premium extra toward a standard expectation, and the first equipped Finnair jets are slated to arrive in 2027. Travelers who rely on working or streaming in the air should watch for confirmation of which aircraft carry the service.
What happens next
The first connected aircraft is expected to enter service in 2027, when passengers are expected to gain onboard streaming, work and digital service access.
Further reading
For broader context on how airlines are upgrading their cabins, explore Air Travel coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Future Travel Experience.
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