Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new digitally-native airline, has selected Viasat to provide full, fast, free inflight connectivity for all Riyadh Air loyalty members on initial Boeing 787 Dreamliner factory-installed deliveries. Powered by Viasat’s most advanced, multi-orbit ready satellite network, Riyadh Air loyalty members will enjoy seamless, free onboard streaming, social scrolling, web browsing, and gaming onboard, available from gate to gate (where permitted). Travellers who are not loyalty members will have the option to sign-up onboard the aircraft with a short sign-up process and get online instantly.
The service includes access to streaming subscriptions on customers’ own personal devices. Furthermore, Viasat’s network will enable Live TV on seatback screens. The fully integrated WiFi solution will also power Riyadh Air’s apps, seatback screens, and digital channels, all designed to transform the travel industry with hyper-personalisation.
“At Riyadh Air, we are committed to redefining the guest experience through innovation and technology,” said Anton Vidgen, VP Guest Experience, 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 WiFi 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.”
Riyadh Air’s selection of Viasat underscores its commitment to providing a best-in-class digital experience for its guests. With Viasat’s Ka-band satellite technology and multi-orbit solution capabilities, Riyadh Air will possess the flexibility to leverage future satellite technologies and be well positioned to meet the highly concentrated bandwidth and connectivity demand that continue to grow within commercial flights.
“Riyadh Air’s vision to create a digitally-native, guest-centric airline aligns perfectly with Viasat’s mission to connect the world,” said Meherwan Polad, Chief Commercial Officer, Viasat Commercial Services. “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.”
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