Becoming the first APAC-based airline to install the space operator’s latest multi-orbit ESA product, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) has completed the installation of the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi-Fi solution using SES satellite connectivity across its Airbus A320 fleet.
Its country’s flag carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines was established in 1974 as an independent corporation wholly owned by the government of Brunei Darussalam. Its maiden flight took off from Bandar Seri Begawan to Singapore on 14 May 1975. Its hub is in Bandar Seri Begawan, where it carries out services as a full-service carrier.
The company prides itself on recognising “the importance of staying ahead of the curve”, adding that it is continuously transforming itself to ensure it is positioned for the future, further enhancing services and offerings.
As part of a five-year business plan, the airline has refreshed its fleet to new aircraft comprised of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A320neo, the latter of which boasts features such as Wi-Fi, which is now increasingly expected by modern travellers.
RB SkyConnect is powered by SES’s multi-orbit network, which combines connectivity from both geostationary (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Enabled by SES’s ESA antenna technology, the system is built to connect dynamically to the strongest available network. SES believes that connecting to satellites in different orbits provides consistent and reliable coverage no matter the location.
ESAs are low-profile and support multi-orbit operations, using both geostationary coverage and LEO partner constellations to deliver broad coverage and low latency. In form, it measures less than seven centimetres tall and delivers connectivity to the SES low earth and geostationary orbit network to deliver broad coverage and low latency. The ESA system already has 500 installations complete and 1,000 commitments in the pipeline.
The result of the latest deployment is “stable, uninterrupted connectivity” across RB’s route network and served territories, including China and India. With the completion of installations across the entire A320 fleet, the service is now available on all A320 aircraft in operation across the Asia-Pacific region.
“The successful completion of the RB SkyConnect installation across our Airbus A320neo fleet marks an important milestone in our efforts to enhance the guest experience through innovation and technology,” said Colonel Norsuriati binti Haji Sharbini, chief executive officer of Royal Brunei Airlines. “Connectivity has become an essential part of modern travel, and we are pleased to offer our guests seamless access to reliable inflight Wi-Fi across our entire A320neo fleet.
“This investment reflects our commitment to delivering a more connected, customer-focused travel experience while supporting Brunei Darussalam’s digital transformation ambitions under Wawasan Brunei 2035 vision.”
SES senior vice-president aviation Blane Boynton added: “Successfully completing this deployment demonstrates the speed and scalability of SES’s next-generation in-flight connectivity solutions. Royal Brunei is our first APAC airline to install our latest multi-orbit ESA product, with five additional APAC airlines installing our system by the end of 2027. We are proud to support Royal Brunei Airlines as they bring high-quality connectivity to passengers across their regional network.”
