Abra Group Equips 100 Aircraft with SES Multi-Orbit Inflight Connectivity
Abra Group, the parent organization of Avianca and GOL, is set to enhance the inflight experience for passengers by fitting 100 of its aircraft with advanced connectivity services from Luxembourg’s SES. This initiative marks a significant step towards better onboard internet access.
To implement this upgrade, Abra Group and SES are planning to equip the aircraft with a new electronically steered array (ESA) antenna. This innovative antenna design extends merely seven centimeters above the fuselage, allowing for an exceptional multi-orbit connectivity capability. It can efficiently connect to both geostationary (GEO) and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, ensuring that passengers have access to reliable broadband while flying.
Presently, this system is already in operation on 10 of Avianca’s Airbus A320 aircraft. The plan is to gradually install it across the remainder of the fleet in the forthcoming years.
According to Enrique Villasenor, SES Vice President of Global Airline Partnerships, this enhanced inflight service will allow Abra Group to offer passengers, “the same fast and dependable internet access passengers enjoy at home no matter where or when they fly.”
This move aligns with the competitive landscape in Abra Group’s primary markets in Latin America. Their main competitor, LATAM Airlines, already provides internet access on most of its narrowbody aircraft and is currently working on rolling out the service to its widebody fleet.
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