Blab Tech
SES Expands Inflight Connectivity in Mexico with Multi-Orbit Service on Viva Aircraft
On June 1 2026, satellite operator SES took flight with Mexico’s Viva Airlines, launching a multi‑orbit inflight connectivity service that could change how passengers stay connected on the go.
The rollout marks the first time a Mexico‑based carrier will tap SES’s electronically steered array antenna, a technology that lets an aircraft switch between satellites in real time. With this system, Viva’s Airbus fleet will be linked to SES’s combined geostationary (GEO) and medium‑Earth orbit (MEO) network, which includes the O3b and O3b mPOWER constellations. The result is continuous, high‑speed broadband for passengers and crew across the Americas.
According to a press release issued by SES, the initial deployment will cover 60 Airbus A320s and 40 A321s. The company plans to extend the service to the full complement of Viva’s fleet over the next few years, a move that aligns with Viva’s strategy to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.
The multi‑orbit approach offers a clear advantage over traditional GEO‑only solutions. MEO satellites sit lower in orbit, reducing latency and boosting throughput—critical for inflight entertainment, real‑time communication, and other bandwidth‑heavy applications. Analysts note that this capability positions SES ahead of competitors that rely solely on GEO, which can suffer from higher latency and limited coverage in remote regions.
The launch comes on the heels of SES’s strong first‑quarter 2026 results. Revenue for the quarter reached €847 million, an 80.5 % increase year‑on‑year at constant currency on a reported basis. The company attributed the growth largely to the consolidation of Intelsat, which was fully integrated on July 17 2025 after regulatory approvals in the UK, EU and US. Like‑for‑like revenue rose 3.1 %, Networks revenue increased 106.0 % and Mobility revenue grew 207.8 % on a reported basis. The mobility segment, which includes inflight connectivity, remains a key driver of SES’s top‑line expansion.
A SES spokesperson said, “Viva’s adoption of our multi‑orbit solution demonstrates the value of our technology for low‑cost carriers operating in the Americas. The partnership expands our aviation broadband presence and reinforces the role of satellite connectivity in modern air travel.”
Viva, headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, is the country’s third‑largest airline and operates more than 160 routes. The airline’s decision to partner with SES aligns with its broader goal of delivering a seamless travel experience while maintaining operational efficiency.
Looking ahead, SES has outlined a broader strategy to expand its connected‑cabin portfolio through partnerships with other airlines and aircraft manufacturers. The company’s satellite fleet now includes more than 70 satellites across GEO and MEO, and its O3b mPOWER system is scheduled to add further capacity through additional launches by 2026.
In sum, SES’s partnership with Viva represents a significant milestone in Latin America’s satellite‑based inflight connectivity landscape. The company’s recent financial performance, driven by Intelsat consolidation, underpins its continued investment in multi‑orbit technology. Upcoming launches of additional O3b mPOWER satellites and the planned rollout to Viva’s fleet are expected to further strengthen SES’s market position in the coming years.
The rollout marks the first time a Mexico‑based carrier will tap SES’s electronically steered array antenna, a technology that lets an aircraft switch between satellites in real time. With this system, Viva’s Airbus fleet will be linked to SES’s combined geostationary (GEO) and medium‑Earth orbit (MEO) network, which includes the O3b and O3b mPOWER constellations. The result is continuous, high‑speed broadband for passengers and crew across the Americas.
According to a press release issued by SES, the initial deployment will cover 60 Airbus A320s and 40 A321s. The company plans to extend the service to the full complement of Viva’s fleet over the next few years, a move that aligns with Viva’s strategy to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.
The multi‑orbit approach offers a clear advantage over traditional GEO‑only solutions. MEO satellites sit lower in orbit, reducing latency and boosting throughput—critical for inflight entertainment, real‑time communication, and other bandwidth‑heavy applications. Analysts note that this capability positions SES ahead of competitors that rely solely on GEO, which can suffer from higher latency and limited coverage in remote regions.
The launch comes on the heels of SES’s strong first‑quarter 2026 results. Revenue for the quarter reached €847 million, an 80.5 % increase year‑on‑year at constant currency on a reported basis. The company attributed the growth largely to the consolidation of Intelsat, which was fully integrated on July 17 2025 after regulatory approvals in the UK, EU and US. Like‑for‑like revenue rose 3.1 %, Networks revenue increased 106.0 % and Mobility revenue grew 207.8 % on a reported basis. The mobility segment, which includes inflight connectivity, remains a key driver of SES’s top‑line expansion.
A SES spokesperson said, “Viva’s adoption of our multi‑orbit solution demonstrates the value of our technology for low‑cost carriers operating in the Americas. The partnership expands our aviation broadband presence and reinforces the role of satellite connectivity in modern air travel.”
Viva, headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, is the country’s third‑largest airline and operates more than 160 routes. The airline’s decision to partner with SES aligns with its broader goal of delivering a seamless travel experience while maintaining operational efficiency.
Looking ahead, SES has outlined a broader strategy to expand its connected‑cabin portfolio through partnerships with other airlines and aircraft manufacturers. The company’s satellite fleet now includes more than 70 satellites across GEO and MEO, and its O3b mPOWER system is scheduled to add further capacity through additional launches by 2026.
In sum, SES’s partnership with Viva represents a significant milestone in Latin America’s satellite‑based inflight connectivity landscape. The company’s recent financial performance, driven by Intelsat consolidation, underpins its continued investment in multi‑orbit technology. Upcoming launches of additional O3b mPOWER satellites and the planned rollout to Viva’s fleet are expected to further strengthen SES’s market position in the coming years.
