Viasat’s Satellite Technology to Power High-Speed Wi-Fi on Riyadh Air Flights
Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, has announced a strategic partnership with Viasat Inc., a global leader in satellite communications. The deal will bring high-speed, reliable in-flight Wi-Fi to Riyadh Air’s entire fleet, enabling passengers to stay connected at 35,000 feet — whether for streaming, messaging, work, or simply staying entertained.
Set to launch commercial operations in 2025, Riyadh Air is quickly positioning itself as a next-generation airline that will rival global competitors. The agreement with Viasat marks a major step in achieving that vision by putting digital experience and customer comfort at the center of its operations.
What Passengers Can Expect
With this collaboration, Riyadh Air aims to provide fast, seamless internet access on every flight — a feature that is increasingly becoming a must-have for modern travelers.
Powered by Viasat’s Ka-band satellite technology, passengers will be able to:
- Stream movies, shows, and music
- Access social media platforms
- Send and receive messages in real time
- Join virtual meetings or complete work tasks
- Use personal devices with uninterrupted connectivity
The service is expected to mirror on-ground internet quality, eliminating the frustrating experience of slow or unstable connections during air travel.
Riyadh Air’s CEO, Tony Douglas, previously emphasized the airline’s mission to offer a “world-class digital-first” journey. With Viasat on board, that promise is beginning to materialize.
Why Viasat?
Viasat Inc. is no stranger to the skies. The California-based company has a proven track record of delivering cutting-edge in-flight connectivity (IFC) to major international airlines including JetBlue, American Airlines, and Qantas.
Their global satellite network is capable of delivering fast speeds even in high-demand airspaces, such as over North America and Europe, as well as in remote regions that are typically underserved. This ensures that Riyadh Air flights — whether domestic or international — will benefit from uniform and reliable connectivity.
The system is also designed to handle multiple connected devices per passenger, which is crucial in an era where travelers use smartphones, tablets, and laptops simultaneously.
A Strategic Move for Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Ambitions
The Viasat deal is more than a tech upgrade — it’s part of a larger strategic vision for the Kingdom. Riyadh Air was launched as a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for tourism, transport, and logistics.
The airline, fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), plans to connect Riyadh to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030. In doing so, it seeks to become a premium brand that blends Arabian hospitality with cutting-edge aviation technologies.
By equipping its fleet with state-of-the-art satellite internet, Riyadh Air is signaling that it intends to compete with the best — not just in comfort and service, but in digital innovation as well.
Growing Demand for In-Flight Connectivity
As air travel rebounds in a post-pandemic world, passengers are no longer viewing in-flight Wi-Fi as a luxury — but as a necessity.
Recent surveys show that:
- Over 70% of passengers consider Wi-Fi an important part of the in-flight experience
- More than 50% are willing to pay for faster, more reliable connections
- Business travelers, in particular, prioritize connectivity over in-flight entertainment
These figures underline the importance of Riyadh Air’s early investment in premium IFC solutions. By meeting these expectations from day one, the airline can build customer loyalty and attract frequent fliers who value a tech-forward flying experience.
Technical Excellence Meets User Simplicity
Viasat’s system will not only provide high bandwidth, but also a user-friendly interface for passengers. With features like:
- One-click logins
- Seamless device switching
- Free and premium access tiers
Riyadh Air aims to remove any barriers to staying connected in the air. Future enhancements may include personalized entertainment content, real-time shopping, and smart cabin services integrated with the internet.
The airline has also hinted at integrating 5G-based ground connectivity with its in-flight systems for smoother pre- and post-boarding connectivity.
Industry-Wide Implications
This move comes as more airlines worldwide are updating their fleets with advanced IFC solutions. But Riyadh Air’s approach stands out because it’s building this technology into the foundation of its brand — rather than retrofitting older aircraft.
Riyadh Air’s fleet will primarily consist of next-gen Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, optimized for both fuel efficiency and high-tech features. The integration of Viasat’s system will be baked into the aircraft during manufacturing or shortly after delivery, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal system performance.
This could set a new benchmark for startups in the aviation space, showing how investing in passenger tech from the beginning can provide long-term brand value and operational excellence.
Looking Ahead
As Riyadh Air prepares for its maiden flight, all eyes will be on how the airline lives up to its high expectations. The partnership with Viasat is a strong signal of its ambition to deliver not just a flight, but a smart, connected travel experience.
With internet access now an essential part of both work and leisure, Riyadh Air’s decision to invest early in high-speed IFC could prove to be a game-changer in the region’s aviation landscape.
Final Thoughts
Riyadh Air’s partnership with Viasat is a forward-thinking move that reflects broader shifts in the airline industry. As passenger expectations evolve, connectivity and digital services are no longer optional — they are fundamental to a modern, competitive flying experience.
By choosing a proven partner like Viasat, Riyadh Air is laying the groundwork to be more than just another airline. It’s setting itself up to be a leader in next-gen air travel — smart, connected, and customer-focused.
Do follow gulf magazine on Instagram
for more information click here
