Saudia and Neo Space Group announce the launch of one of the Kingdom’s most advanced in-flight connectivity services

Neo Space Group (NSG) and Saudia have launched one of the Kingdom’s most advanced in-flight connectivity (IFC) services, with Saudia set to provide complimentary high-speed internet to all guests across its global network. Powered by NSG Skywaves® and leveraging the SES Open Orbits™ multi-orbit architecture, the service positions Saudia as one of the first airlines in the Middle East to offer free broadband connectivity onboard, and marks a strategic step in NSG’s effort to scale sovereign, multi-orbit connectivity solutions with aviation as a cornerstone vertical.

H.E. Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “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”.

Context and technical details

The IFC rollout integrates NSG Skywaves® with SES Open Orbits™, a multi-orbit network that combines GEO and MEO satellites to deliver low-latency, high-throughput broadband with global reach. The solution will use the certified Thinkom Ka2517 IFC antenna supplied by Eclipse Global Connectivity; Eclipse will lead equipment integration and certification for retrofitted aircraft.

• Service platform: NSG Skywaves®
• Satellite architecture: SES Open Orbits™ (GEO + MEO)
• Antenna: Thinkom Ka2517 IFC antenna (supplied by Eclipse Global Connectivity)
• Integration and certification: Eclipse Global Connectivity (for retrofitted aircraft)

Eng. Haithem Alfaraj, CEO of NSG, framed the partnership as a national milestone: “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 is presented as part of Saudia’s broader transformation and its “largest-ever investment” in elevating the guest experience, spanning cabin modernization and next-generation digital services. NSG’s stated strategy is to scale sovereign, multi-orbit connectivity solutions across priority sectors, with aviation singled out as a foundational use case for mass-market adoption.

Outlook

Operationally, the combined NSG Skywaves® and SES Open Orbits™ architecture aims to support large-scale connectivity capabilities across Saudia’s fleet, delivering consistent broadband performance on long-haul and regional routes. With Eclipse handling antenna integration and retrofit certification, the rollout is positioned to move from initial deployments to fleet-wide availability.

Beyond immediate passenger benefits, the partnership reinforces Saudi Arabia’s push to build a globally competitive space economy and expand satellite-enabled services. By offering complimentary onboard broadband and integrating multi-orbit satellite capacity, Saudia and NSG are seeking to redefine the digital travel experience while aligning with broader national objectives such as Vision 2030.