Saudi Arabia’s new premium international airline Riyadh Air has chosen global satellite communications company Viasat’s connectivity for its initial Boeing 787 Dreamliner factory-installed deliveries.
The carrier’s loyalty members will be offered seamless, free onboard streaming, social scrolling, web browsing, and gaming onboard from gate to gate (where permitted). Passengers can sign up to be loyalty members on board the aircraft with a short sign-up process and get online instantly.
The service includes access to streaming subscriptions on personal devices and seatback screen entertainment such as live TV, as well as Riyadh Air’s apps and digital channels.
“At Riyadh Air, we are committed to redefining the guest experience through innovation and technology,” said Anton Vidgen, VP Guest Experience at Riyadh Air.
“Partnering with Viasat, we were empowered to realise our discerning vision for guests’ connectivity. 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, Viasat Commercial Services said: “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.”
