Riyadh – Mubasher: Neo Space Group (NSG), a strategic company within PIF's Vision Portfolio announced the first line-fit activation of NSG Skywaves® in-flight connectivity (IFC) aboard Saudia's inaugural Airbus A321XLR aircraft, according to a press release.
This step positions Saudi Arabia among the world's leading hubs for aviation and space-enabled services.
Meanwhile, the activation demonstrates the successful integration of the Airbus HBCplus line-fit solution while pointing to close collaboration between NSG, Saudia, Airbus, SES, RAVE and other key industry partners.
The latest milestone aims to deliver a seamless connectivity experience from aircraft entry into service in addition to reflecting NSG's growing maturity as a global in-flight connectivity provider.
Moreover, the activation proves the PIF company’s ability to integrate satellite capacity, airborne technologies, digital platforms, and operational expertise within a seamless end-to-end connectivity solution.
NSG's engineering and operations teams have implemented operational testing, which demonstrated onboard speeds up to 200 Mbps per aircraft, supporting a seamless digital experience across streaming, messaging, browsing, and other high-demand passenger applications.
Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, Rossen Dimitrov, said: “Connectivity is an essential part of modern travel, and providing high-speed internet on our new A321XLR is a key element of the new Saudia experience.”
Dimitrov noted: “It enables our guests to stay connected, remain entertained, and enjoy a more engaging and seamless onboard journey. It also enables a new generation of connected onboard experiences, allowing guests to enjoy live television and real-time content in ways that were previously not possible, bringing the journey closer than ever to the world beyond the aircraft.”
For his part, NSG Executive Vice President of Aviation, Tarek El Mitwalli, said: "This milestone reflects the convergence of aviation, space, and digital infrastructure.”
El Mitwalli elaborated: “Activating NSG Skywaves® on Saudia’s inaugural Airbus A321XLR demonstrates how sovereign space capabilities can be translated into real-world operational services that enhance airline performance and passenger connectivity alike.”
NSG official concluded: “Together with Saudia and our broader ecosystem of partners, we are helping shape a more connected, resilient, and digitally enabled future for aviation."
It is worth highlighting that deploying this activationn builds on NSG's broader aviation connectivity strategy that is rapidly expanding across regional and international airline fleets through NSG Skywaves®. The next-generation IFC platform is also designed to support the evolving demands of connected aircraft and digital passenger experiences.
