Riyadh Air, the Saudi Arabian premium carrier preparing to launch later this year, has selected Viasat Inc. to provide in-flight connectivity systems for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet (39 confirmed aircraft and 33 more to follow).
The systems will be powered by Viasat’s most advanced Ka-band satellite technology and multi-orbit satellite network capabilities, enabling seamless onboard streaming, social scrolling, web browsing, and gaming onboard, available from gate to gate (where permitted). The service is free to access for Riyadh Air loyalty members, while guests who are not loyalty members will have the option to sign-up for a fee onboard the aircraft and get online instantly.
The service includes access to streaming subscriptions on guests’ own personal electronic devices, which 71% of passengers surveyed in Viasat’s 2024 Passenger Experience Survey (published in December 2024) reported as being a priority activity while connected in-flight. Viasat’s network will also enable live TV on the seatback screens, providing a variety of news and sports channels. The fully integrated wi-fi solution will also power Riyadh Air’s apps, seatback screens, and digital channels.
“Partnering with Viasat, we were empowered to realise our discerning vision for guests’ connectivity,” said Anton Vidgen, VP guest experience at Riyadh Air. “In turn, our guests will enjoy free, personalised, and seamless wi-fi that will fully integrate with the full Riyadh Air experience. This partnership is a key enabler of our digitally native onboard strategy: setting a new standard for premium travel.”
Meherwan Polad, chief commercial officer at Viasat Commercial Services, added, “Riyadh Air’s vision to create a digitally native, guest-centric airline aligns perfectly with Viasat’s mission to connect the world. We are proud to be selected as Riyadh Air’s launch connectivity partner, providing our most advanced Ka-band technology to power their comprehensive onboard experience across all routes they operate. Viasat’s unique ability to deliver the consistent, high-quality connectivity that Riyadh Air’s guests demand will be transformative for the Middle Eastern commercial air travel landscape.”
