Neo Space Group (NSG), a Public Investment Fund-backed company and one of Saudi Arabia’s commercial space services providers, has introduced a cutting-edge in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution in collaboration with Saudia, the Kingdom’s national carrier.
As part of the agreement, Saudia will offer complimentary high-speed internet access to passengers, positioning itself among the first airlines in the Middle East to provide free onboard broadband connectivity. The service is powered by NSG’s Skywaves platform and utilises the SES Open Orbits multi-orbit network, enabling fast and reliable connectivity across the airline’s international routes.
The rollout marks a key milestone in NSG’s broader strategy to expand sovereign, multi-orbit connectivity solutions across critical sectors, with aviation identified as a major growth area.
The initiative also aligns with Saudia’s focus on enhancing passenger experience through innovation and service excellence, while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. By integrating advanced digital capabilities into its operations, the airline aims to redefine the travel experience and strengthen its global competitiveness.
H.E. Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, commented: “As Saudia continues to scale its operations and invest in fleet modernization, strengthening our digital infrastructure remains a strategic priority. Connectivity today shapes how guests experience travel and how airlines differentiate themselves in a competitive global market. This partnership allows us to elevate the onboard experience while reinforcing our broader digital ecosystem, supporting our long-term competitiveness and sustained growth in an increasingly connected aviation landscape.”
This landmark Saudi partnership comes at a pivotal moment in Saudia’s transformation, reinforcing its largest-ever investment in elevating the guest experience – from cabin modernisation to next-generation digital services.
Eng. Haithem Alfaraj CEO of NSG, stated: “This partnership embodies the spirit of Saudi progress. As a PIF company, we take pride in delivering advanced, sovereign connectivity at scale. Aviation is a strategic priority for NSG, and this milestone brings outstanding high-speed connectivity to passengers across the Kingdom and around the world.”
The deployment of NSG Skywaves will support large-scale connectivity capabilities across Saudia’s fleet. The solution integrates the SES Open Orbits multi-orbit network with the certified Thinkom Ka2517 IFC antenna supplied by Eclipse Global Connectivity, delivering a unified and scalable connectivity platform.
The deployment of NSG Skywaves will support large-scale connectivity capabilities across Saudia’s fleet.
SES’s Open Orbits architecture combines GEO and MEO satellites to ensure low-latency, high-throughput broadband with global reach. Eclipse Global Connectivity will lead equipment integration and certification for retrofitted aircraft.
This partnership reinforces Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in digital aviation and satellite-enabled services, supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to build a globally competitive space economy.
