Riyadh Air will offer free inflight internet on its A321neo fleet, partnering with Neo Space Group for the service.
Riyadh Air‘s A321neo fleet will fly with Neo Space Group‘s inflight internet service when they are delivered later this year. As with the 787s, which are fitted with Viasat’s offering, the NSG-backed service will be complimentary on board to members of the carrier’s Sfeer loyalty program.
Our first Airbus A321 is anticipated in Q4 2026, and our collaboration with NSG ensures every passenger, especially members of Sfeer, our loyalty program who receive free Wi-Fi, will enjoy a truly connected journey.
– Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air
NSG’s Skywaves® IFC solution takes advantage of the SES Open Orbits multi-orbit network. It combines the O3b/mPower MEO constellation’s low-latency, high-speed performance with Ka-band GEO services for stability and global coverage.
The companies expect to deliver speeds up to 300 Mbps to the aircraft with the system.
The solution will be delivered line-fit from Airbus under the HBCplus program. Safran Passenger Innovations provides the hardware package to Airbus for that implementation, including ThinKom‘s Ka2517 terminal. NSG
Riyadh Air holds firm orders for 60 A321neo aircraft, with deliveries paced through the years ahead. Both NSG and Riyadh Air are owned by Saudi Arabia’s PIF investment arm.
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Seth Miller has over a decade of experience covering the airline industry. With a strong focus on passenger experience, Seth also has deep knowledge of inflight connectivity and loyalty programs. He is widely respected as an unbiased commentator on the aviation industry.
He is frequently consulted on innovations in passenger experience by airlines and technology providers.
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