$SES

SES has signed contracts with Finnair and Air Astana to provide multi-orbit in-flight connectivity services. The agreement involves integrating SES's hybrid architecture, combining GEO and MEO satellites, to offer low-latency broadband services. This expansion covers Nordic and Central Asian routes, addressing growing passenger demand for high-bandwidth applications. Implementation details and commercial terms were not disclosed.

SES has secured a contract with Finnair to provide multi-orbit inflight connectivity for 18 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The first aircraft is expected to enter service in 2027, according to the company.

SES has been chosen by Air Astana to provide inflight connectivity for its A321LR fleet, with the first aircraft set to launch on 29 Oct 2026. The deal supports SES's expansion in aviation connectivity, though the contract value and fleet count were not disclosed.

SES extended its agreement with CANAL+ to provide satellite capacity in Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean until 2040. The deal confirms SES's strategy to secure long-term video contracts. Financial details were not disclosed.

NASA launched two commercial satellites into low Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX rocket. Viasat and SES Space and Defense will test high- and low-rate communications for NASA's science missions. NASA awarded $278.5M to develop satellite services, aiming to transition to commercial alternatives for future missions.

SES AI Corp. (NYSE: SES) plans to expand its Chungju plant's annual drone battery cell production from 1 million to 3 million by Q2 2027 due to strong customer demand. The facility produces NDAA-compliant cells, with several leading drone OEMs and pack makers conducting quality audits. The company aims to scale its drone battery business, prioritizing direct audits and supply chain qualifications.

Goldman Sachs reinstated a 'buy' rating on SES with a €7 price target, citing potential gains from U.S. C-band spectrum payments and European defense demand. SES shares rose 2.7% after the report. Goldman values the C-band payments at 1.4 times SES's current market value and expects additional revenue from defense spending. The stock is down 35.4% over 12 months.

European satellite operators Eutelsat and SES gained 12% and 5% respectively after Ukraine reported Starlink restrictions. Analysts suggest U.S.-Europe tensions may drive business to European providers. Eutelsat's OneWeb, with 600 satellites, is the only rival to SpaceX's 10,000-satellite Starlink network. Experts note switching challenges due to infrastructure differences.

Ukraine reported Starlink service restrictions, raising concerns about dependency on satellite links. The EU is developing IRIS², a satellite network with 348 satellites, for secure connections. Germany's OHB is involved, signing a €1 billion contract for 18 satellites. The Bundeswehr plans its own network, SATCOMBw 4, with up to 40 satellites operational by 2029. Aerospacelab and Airbus are also building satellites for IRIS², with launches planned from 2029.

The European Commission aims to accelerate a competitor to SpaceX, driven by concerns over reliance on U.S. satellite services, especially after disruptions in Ukraine. Eutelsat and SES are key players, with Eutelsat's OneWeb offering an alternative. Eutelsat shares rose 23% on Wednesday. The EU's IRIS² program, involving SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat, plans 348 satellites by 2029. Challenges include regulatory scrutiny and technological differences.