14/04/2026 01:20 AST
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund subsidiary, Neo Space Group, a leading national commercial space services company, has partnered with Saudi Arabian Airlines, or Saudia, to launch in-flight internet services across the airline's fleet.
The initiative will equip Saudia aircraft with advanced connectivity solutions, enabling high-speed internet access for all passengers free of charge, making Saudia one of the first airlines in the Middle East to offer complimentary broadband internet throughout its flights.
The service is powered by NSG's Skywaves platform, enabled through SES Open Orbits multi-orbit satellite network technology, designed to deliver fast and reliable connectivity across Saudia's global route network.
According to the statement, the partnership reflects Saudia's core values of hospitality, innovation, and service excellence, while reinforcing its role in connecting the Kingdom with global destinations.
It also aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives by enhancing the digital travel experience and integrating advanced technologies into aviation services.
Saudia said the investment in digital infrastructure is becoming a strategic priority as it expands operations and modernizes its fleet.
The airline emphasized that connectivity has become a key component of the passenger experience and a critical differentiator in the highly competitive global aviation market.
Saudia Director General Ibrahim Al-Omar said the airline is accelerating investments in fleet modernization and digital transformation, noting that in-flight connectivity is now central to shaping customer experience.
He added that the partnership strengthens Saudia's integrated digital ecosystem and supports its long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth in an increasingly connected aviation sector.
The collaboration comes at a pivotal stage in Saudia's transformation journey, as the airline is undergoing the largest investment in its history to enhance the passenger experience.
This includes a comprehensive cabin refurbishment program and the rollout of next-generation digital services, ensuring more distinctive and enjoyable travel that reflects authentic Saudi values.
NSG CEO Haithem Al-Faraj said the partnership reflects the spirit of progress taking place in the Kingdom, noting that, as a PIF company, NSG is proud to deliver advanced, sovereign-grade connectivity solutions at scale.
He added that the aviation sector is a strategic priority for NSG, and that the milestone marks an important step in providing high-speed connectivity to passengers in Saudi Arabia and around the world.
The deployment of the NSG Skywaves system supports the provision of high-capacity connectivity across Saudia's fleet.
The solution integrates SES Open Orbits' multi-orbit network and the certified Thinkom Ka2517 IFC airborne antenna, supplied by Eclipse Global Connectivity, creating a unified and scalable connectivity platform.
SES's Open Orbits architecture is based on integrating satellites in medium Earth orbit, or MEO, and geostationary orbit, or GEO, ensuring high-bandwidth connectivity with low latency and global coverage.
Eclipse Global Connectivity is responsible for leading equipment integration and certification on aircraft undergoing upgrades, as well as on new aircraft within production lines.
The partnership between NSG and Saudia reflects a shared vision to strengthen the Kingdom's leadership in digital aviation experiences and satellite connectivity, enhance the passenger experience, and contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia's space economy, supporting the Kingdom's ambition to build a globally competitive space sector.
Arab News
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