Saudia free in-flight internet service is now a reality after Neo Space Group (NSG), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, partnered with Saudia Airlines to roll out complimentary broadband connectivity across the national carrier’s entire fleet. The move positions Saudia among the first airlines in the Middle East to offer passengers free high-speed internet during flights.
The service runs on the NSG Skywaves® system, which operates through the SES Open Orbits™ multi-orbit network. That network combines Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites to deliver low-latency, high-capacity broadband with global coverage across all of Saudia’s destinations.
How the NSG Skywaves® System Works
The technical setup integrates the SES Open Orbits™ network with the certified Thinkom Ka2517 IFC airborne antenna, supplied by Eclipse Global Connectivity. Together, these components form a unified, scalable connectivity platform. Eclipse Global Connectivity also leads hardware integration and certification for both retrofitted aircraft and new planes coming off production lines.
This architecture gives Saudia’s passengers fast, consistent broadband connectivity regardless of route or altitude, covering the airline’s full global network of destinations.
Saudia Free In-Flight Internet as Part of a Broader Upgrade
The partnership arrives during what Saudia describes as the largest investment in its history. The airline is currently upgrading cabin interiors and deploying new digital services across its fleet. Free internet access forms one part of that wider effort to improve the passenger experience.
Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said that strengthening the airline’s digital infrastructure remains a strategic priority as the carrier expands operations and modernizes its fleet. “Connectivity has become a core element in shaping the traveler experience and a key differentiator for airlines in a highly competitive global market,” Al-Omar said. He added that the partnership supports Saudia’s long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth.
“This partnership allows us to elevate the onboard guest experience while strengthening our digital ecosystem, supporting our long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth in an increasingly connected aviation sector.”
Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, Director General, Saudia Group
NSG’s Strategic Focus on Aviation
Haitham Al-Faraj, Chief Executive Officer of Neo Space Group, said aviation is a strategic priority for NSG. “This partnership reflects the spirit of progress the Kingdom is witnessing,” Al-Faraj said. “As a PIF company, we are providing advanced connectivity solutions at sovereign scale.” He described the deal as an important step toward delivering high-speed satellite connectivity to travelers in Saudi Arabia and globally.
“Aviation is a strategic priority for Neo Space Group, and this milestone is an important step in providing high-speed connectivity to travelers in the Kingdom and around the world.”
Haitham Al-Faraj, CEO, Neo Space Group
Vision 2030 and the Saudi Space Economy
Both companies said the collaboration supports Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in digital aviation and satellite connectivity. NSG, as a PIF-owned entity, frames the deal as a contribution to the growth of the Saudi space economy, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals for building a globally competitive space sector.
The partnership also aligns with broader efforts to position the Kingdom as a hub for advanced telecommunications and space-based services in the region. With this deployment, NSG extends its commercial satellite services into one of the most visible consumer-facing applications: passenger air travel.
