Saudia Activates NSG Skywaves IFC on First A321XLR

Saudia (SV) and Neo Space Group (NSG) announced the first line-fit activation of the NSG Skywaves in-flight connectivity (IFC) system aboard the airline’s inaugural Airbus A321XLR on June 29, 2026. The installation utilizes the Airbus HBCplus solution, allowing the hardware to be integrated directly at the factory and ensuring immediate operational readiness upon the aircraft’s entry into service.

In a joint press release, the companies detailed that the activation represents a convergence of Saudi Arabia’s aviation and space sectors, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 digital transformation objectives. The system leverages the SES Open Orbits multi-orbit network to provide resilient, low-latency internet access across international flight corridors.

Technical integration and network capabilities

The selection of the Airbus HBCplus line-fit solution allows Saudia to bypass the traditional post-delivery retrofit process. By installing the necessary radomes, wiring, and servers on the Airbus assembly line, the aircraft can enter commercial service with its connectivity systems fully active on day one.

During recent operational testing, NSG demonstrated maximum onboard speeds of 200 Mbps per aircraft. The NSG Skywaves architecture achieves this bandwidth by combining Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite capabilities, ensuring consistent coverage and redundancy during long-haul operations.

“This milestone reflects the convergence of aviation, space, and digital infrastructure. 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. Together with Saudia and our broader ecosystem of partners, we are helping shape a more connected, resilient, and digitally enabled future for aviation.”

, Tarek El Mitwalli, Executive Vice President of Aviation at Neo Space Group

Fleet modernization and passenger experience

Saudia took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR on May 24, 2026, becoming the first operator of the narrowbody type in the Middle East and Africa. The national carrier has a total of 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft on order as part of a broader fleet modernization strategy.

The aircraft is configured with 24 full flat Business Class suites and 120 Economy Class seats. Designed to serve longer international routes up to 4,700 nautical miles, the Airbus A321XLR supports the national goal of attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030. The integration of high-speed IFC is positioned as a core component of the airline’s updated cabin product.

“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. 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.”

, Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia

AirPro News analysis

The decision to utilize the Airbus HBCplus line-fit solution highlights a growing industry preference for factory-installed connectivity hardware over aftermarket retrofits. By bypassing the traditional post-delivery installation phase, Saudia accelerates the revenue-generating deployment of its new Airbus A321XLR fleet. We view the partnership with Neo Space Group, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), as a strategic alignment that keeps critical digital infrastructure investments within the Saudi domestic ecosystem while utilizing the established SES satellite network for global coverage.

Sources: Neo Space Group