SES equips Air Astana's A321LR fleet with Wi-Fi, first commercial flight on October 29

An electronically steered antenna connected to SES's multi-orbit network

SES was selected by Air Astana to introduce in-flight connectivity services on its Airbus A321LR fleet. The aircraft are equipped with SES's new electronically steered antenna (ESA), which provides the link to the operator's multi-orbit network.

Air Astana operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft and serves Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Far East, the Gulf, India and Europe. According to Blane Boynton, Senior Vice President for Aviation at SES, the solution should allow the airline to offer consistent connectivity across its network, in Central Asia and beyond.

A fully managed service, free in premium cabins and paid in Economy

SES will provide a fully managed in-flight connectivity service across the entire concerned fleet. Passengers will access it through a portal in the airline's colours, which will offer several options.

Premium customers will benefit from free streaming services, while Economy class travellers will have access to flexible paid packages. The service relies on QMobile (formerly Jusan Mobile), a telecommunications and technology operator in Kazakhstan.

Air Astana places this partnership within the overhaul of its in-flight offering

For Air Astana, this arrangement supports the transformation of the in-flight experience for both business and leisure customers. Yelena Obukhova, Vice President, said that the partnership with SES will allow the airline to offer modern, high-quality connectivity, in line with the premium service expected by its customers.

She added that by combining SES's satellite technology with its in-flight offering, the airline is investing in the comfort and convenience of its passengers.