Royal Brunei completes A320 fleet wifi rollout with SES

Royal Brunei has completed the installation of multi-orbit inflight internet across its A320 fleet, according to SES. Seven A320neo aircraft are now fitted with the system, the companies said.

The setup draws capacity from both geostationary and low Earth orbit satellites, linked through Gilat electronically steered array antenna technology. SES said the system connects dynamically to the strongest available network and provides connectivity across Royal Brunei's route network.

According to SES, the solution maintains consistent coverage in areas where LEO services are not authorised, including China and India. Blane Boynton, the company's Senior Vice President Aviation, said Royal Brunei is the first airline in the APAC region to complete a multi-orbit deployment, and that five further APAC carriers are due to install the system by the end of 2027.

The availability question has drawn attention as other carriers in the region move on connectivity. Korean has activated its first aircraft with Starlink and VietJet has signed a commitment with that provider, and both fly a substantial share of their operations over China, where Starlink is not authorised to operate.