Neo Space Group (NSG), a strategic company within PIF’s Vision Portfolio and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial space services provider, and Saudia, the Kingdom’s national flag carrier, have announced the first line-fit activation of NSG Skywaves® in-flight connectivity (IFC) aboard Saudia’s inaugural Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
The milestone marks a significant step in the growing strategic partnership between Saudia and NSG and demonstrates cooperation between Saudi Arabia’s aviation and space sectors in support of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions. It reflects a shared focus on innovation, digital transformation and enhancing the guest experience, while further positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for aviation and space-enabled services.
Powered by NSG Skywaves® and leveraging the SES Open Orbits™ multi-orbit network, the service combines GEO and MEO satellite capabilities to provide resilient, low-latency connectivity across key international flight corridors. Recent operational testing conducted by NSG’s engineering and operations teams demonstrated onboard speeds of up to 200 Mbps per aircraft, supporting streaming, messaging, browsing and other high-demand passenger applications.
The activation demonstrates the successful integration of the Airbus HBCplus line-fit solution and reflects collaboration between NSG, Saudia, Airbus, SES, RAVE and other industry partners to deliver connectivity from the aircraft’s entry into service.
The milestone also reflects NSG’s growing capabilities as an in-flight connectivity provider, integrating satellite capacity, airborne technologies, digital platforms and operational expertise into an end-to-end connectivity solution.
Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said connectivity is an essential part of modern travel and that high-speed internet on the airline’s new A321XLR is an important element of the new Saudia experience. He said the service enables guests to remain connected and entertained while supporting new connected onboard experiences, including live television and real-time content.
Tarek El Mitwalli, Executive Vice President of Aviation at Neo Space Group, said the milestone demonstrates the convergence of aviation, space and digital infrastructure. He added that activating NSG Skywaves® on Saudia’s inaugural Airbus A321XLR demonstrates how sovereign space capabilities can be translated into operational services that support airline performance and passenger connectivity.
The deployment builds on NSG’s broader aviation connectivity strategy, which is expanding across regional and international airline fleets through NSG Skywaves®, its next-generation IFC platform designed to support the evolving requirements of connected aircraft and digital passenger experiences.
