Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new premium international airline, has announced a partnership with global satellite communications leader Viasat to provide fast, free in-flight connectivity for all members of its loyalty programme. The service will be available on the airline’s initial Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, equipped with factory-installed Viasat technology.
Powered by Viasat’s cutting-edge, multi-orbit-ready satellite network, the new connectivity offering will enable loyalty members to enjoy seamless gate-to-gate internet access, including streaming, social media, gaming and web browsing on their personal devices.
Guests who are not yet part of the airline’s loyalty programme will be able to sign up during their flight through a quick onboarding process and gain instant access to the Wi-Fi service.
Beyond personal device connectivity, the advanced satellite network will also support live TV on seatback screens, offering a range of sports and news channels. In addition, Riyadh Air’s suite of digital platforms, including its mobile apps and seatback entertainment system, will be powered by the Viasat Wi-Fi solution—supporting a vision of hyper-personalised and immersive travel.
Anton Vidgen, VP of Guest Experience at Riyadh Air, said: “At Riyadh Air, we are committed to redefining the guest experience through innovation and technology. Partnering with Viasat, we were empowered to realize our discerning vision for guests’ connectivity. In turn, our guests will enjoy free, personalised, and seamless Wi-Fi that will fully integrate with the full Riyadh Air experience. This partnership is a key enabler of our digitally native onboard strategy: setting a new standard for premium travel.”
Meherwan Polad, Chief Commercial Officer of Viasat Commercial Services, added: “Riyadh Air’s vision to create a digitally native, guest-centric airline aligns perfectly with Viasat’s mission to connect the world. We are proud to be selected as Riyadh Air’s launch connectivity partner, providing our most advanced Ka-band technology to power their comprehensive onboard experience across all routes they operate. Viasat’s unique ability to deliver the consistent, high-quality connectivity that Riyadh Air’s guests demand will be transformative for the Middle Eastern commercial air travel landscape.”
With this partnership, Riyadh Air positions itself at the forefront of in-flight connectivity innovation in the region. The airline’s adoption of Viasat’s high-capacity, future-ready satellite network ensures it can adapt to the growing demand for bandwidth-intensive onboard services, staying ahead in an increasingly digital aviation landscape.
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