Riyadh Air Selects Viasat to Power Full, Fast, Free Streaming Connectivity on Boeing 787 Dreamliner Aircraft
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has been selected by Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new premium international airline, to provide complimentary in-flight connectivity on their Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The service will offer free streaming, social media, web browsing, and gaming from gate to gate for all Riyadh Air loyalty members.
The connectivity solution features Viasat's advanced multi-orbit ready satellite network and will enable Live TV on seatback screens. Non-loyalty members can easily sign up onboard to access these services. According to Viasat's 2024 Passenger Experience Survey, 71% of passengers prioritize streaming on personal devices during flights.
The partnership aims to transform the travel experience through hyper-personalization, powering Riyadh Air's apps, seatback screens, and digital channels. The airline will utilize Viasat's Ka-band technology and multi-orbit capabilities, ensuring flexibility to adopt future satellite technologies and meet growing connectivity demands.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) è stata selezionata da Riyadh Air, la nuova compagnia aerea internazionale premium dell'Arabia Saudita, per fornire connettività in volo gratuita sulla loro flotta di Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Il servizio offrirà streaming gratuito, social media, navigazione web e giochi da gate a gate per tutti i membri del programma fedeltà di Riyadh Air.
La soluzione di connettività sfrutta la rete satellitare avanzata multi-orbit di Viasat e permetterà TV in diretta sugli schermi dei sedili. I membri non fedeltà possono facilmente registrarsi a bordo per accedere a questi servizi. Secondo il sondaggio sulla esperienza dei passeggeri di Viasat del 2024, il 71% dei passeggeri dà priorità allo streaming sui dispositivi personali durante i voli.
La partnership mira a trasformare l'esperienza di viaggio attraverso l'iper-personalizzazione, potenziando le app di Riyadh Air, gli schermi dei sedili e i canali digitali. La compagnia aerea utilizzerà la tecnologia Ka-band di Viasat e le capacità multi-orbit, garantendo flessibilità nell'adottare future tecnologie satellitari e soddisfare le crescenti esigenze di connettività.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) ha sido seleccionada por Riyadh Air, la nueva aerolínea internacional premium de Arabia Saudita, para proporcionar conectividad gratuita en vuelo en su flota de Boeing 787 Dreamliner. El servicio ofrecerá streaming gratuito, redes sociales, navegación web y juegos de puerta a puerta para todos los miembros del programa de lealtad de Riyadh Air.
La solución de conectividad cuenta con la avanzada red de satélites multi-orbital de Viasat y permitirá televisión en vivo en las pantallas de los asientos. Los miembros no leales pueden registrarse fácilmente a bordo para acceder a estos servicios. Según la Encuesta de Experiencia del Pasajero de Viasat 2024, el 71% de los pasajeros prioriza el streaming en dispositivos personales durante los vuelos.
La asociación tiene como objetivo transformar la experiencia de viaje a través de la hiper-personalización, potenciando las aplicaciones de Riyadh Air, las pantallas de los asientos y los canales digitales. La aerolínea utilizará la tecnología Ka-band de Viasat y las capacidades multi-orbitales, asegurando flexibilidad para adoptar futuras tecnologías satelitales y satisfacer la creciente demanda de conectividad.
비아사트 (NASDAQ: VSAT)는 사우디아라비아의 새로운 프리미엄 국제 항공사인 리야드 항공에 의해 보잉 787 드림라이너 기단에 무료 기내 연결 서비스를 제공하기 위해 선정되었습니다. 이 서비스는 모든 리야드 항공 충성도 회원에게 무료 스트리밍, 소셜 미디어, 웹 브라우징 및 게임을 게이트에서 게이트까지 제공합니다.
연결 솔루션은 비아사트의 고급 다중 궤도 준비 위성 네트워크를 특징으로 하며 좌석 화면에서의 라이브 TV를 가능하게 합니다. 비충성도 회원은 기내에서 쉽게 가입하여 이러한 서비스에 접근할 수 있습니다. 비아사트의 2024 승객 경험 조사에 따르면, 71%의 승객이 비행 중 개인 장치에서의 스트리밍을 우선시합니다.
이 파트너십은 하이퍼 개인화를 통해 여행 경험을 혁신하는 것을 목표로 하며, 리야드 항공의 앱, 좌석 화면 및 디지털 채널을 강화합니다. 항공사는 비아사트의 Ka-band 기술과 다중 궤도 기능을 활용하여 미래의 위성 기술을 채택할 수 있는 유연성을 보장하고 증가하는 연결 요구를 충족합니다.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) a été sélectionnée par Riyadh Air, la nouvelle compagnie aérienne internationale premium d'Arabie Saoudite, pour fournir une connectivité gratuite à bord de sa flotte de Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Le service proposera streaming gratuit, médias sociaux, navigation web et jeux de porte à porte pour tous les membres du programme de fidélité de Riyadh Air.
La solution de connectivité utilise le réseau satellite avancé multi-orbital de Viasat et permettra la télévision en direct sur les écrans des sièges. Les membres non fidèles peuvent facilement s'inscrire à bord pour accéder à ces services. Selon l'enquête sur l'expérience des passagers de Viasat de 2024, 71 % des passagers privilégient le streaming sur des appareils personnels pendant les vols.
Le partenariat vise à transformer l'expérience de voyage grâce à l'hyper-personnalisation, en renforçant les applications de Riyadh Air, les écrans des sièges et les canaux numériques. La compagnie aérienne utilisera la technologie Ka-band de Viasat et les capacités multi-orbitales, garantissant ainsi la flexibilité d'adopter de futures technologies satellitaires et de répondre à la demande croissante de connectivité.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) wurde von Riyadh Air, der neuen Premium-International Airline Saudi-Arabiens, ausgewählt, um kostenlose Inflight-Konnektivität für ihre Boeing 787 Dreamliner-Flotte bereitzustellen. Der Service wird kostenloses Streaming, soziale Medien, Web-Browsing und Gaming von Gate zu Gate für alle Loyalitätsmitglieder von Riyadh Air anbieten.
Die Konnektivitätslösung nutzt Viasats fortschrittliches, multi-orbit-fähiges Satellitennetzwerk und ermöglicht Live-TV auf den Bildschirmen der Sitze. Nicht-Loyalitätsmitglieder können sich einfach an Bord anmelden, um auf diese Dienste zuzugreifen. Laut der Passagiererfahrungsumfrage von Viasat 2024 priorisieren 71 % der Passagiere das Streaming auf persönlichen Geräten während des Fluges.
Die Partnerschaft zielt darauf ab, das Reiseerlebnis durch Hyper-Personalisierung zu transformieren, indem sie die Apps, die Sitzbildschirme und die digitalen Kanäle von Riyadh Air stärkt. Die Fluggesellschaft wird Viasats Ka-Band-Technologie und Multi-Orbit-Fähigkeiten nutzen, um Flexibilität bei der Übernahme zukünftiger Satellitentechnologien zu gewährleisten und den wachsenden Anforderungen an die Konnektivität gerecht zu werden.
- Strategic partnership with major airline expands VSAT's market presence in Middle East
- Implementation of advanced multi-orbit satellite technology demonstrates technological leadership
- Contract for entire Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet indicates significant revenue potential
- Financial terms and contract value not disclosed
- Revenue impact and timeline for service implementation not specified
Insights
Viasat has secured a strategic partnership with Riyadh Air to provide in-flight connectivity for the airline's new Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. This represents a significant commercial win for Viasat in the competitive satellite communications market, particularly as they deploy their most advanced multi-orbit ready satellite network.
The deal positions Viasat's Ka-band technology as the backbone of Riyadh Air's digital passenger experience, enabling high-bandwidth applications including streaming, social media, web browsing, and gaming from gate to gate. Notably, the service will be offered free to all loyalty program members, with a simple sign-up process for non-members - a customer acquisition strategy that could drive substantial network utilization.
Riyadh Air represents an emerging client in the Middle Eastern aviation market, which has seen significant growth in premium air travel. While financial terms weren't disclosed, the implementation across Boeing 787 Dreamliners suggests a multi-year revenue opportunity as Riyadh Air builds its fleet.
This partnership reinforces Viasat's competitive position in commercial aviation connectivity, a sector that continues to see increasing bandwidth demands. The emphasis on Viasat's "most advanced" technology indicates the deployment of their latest satellite infrastructure, likely leveraging their recently expanded network capacity. For Viasat, this adds another premium airline to their commercial aviation portfolio, strengthening their industry position against competitors like Intelsat and Panasonic Avionics.
Viasat’s most advanced connectivity solution will complement Riyadh Air’s digitally native onboard strategy
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia and CARLSBAD, Calif., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new premium international airline, today announced it has selected Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, to provide a full, fast, free in-flight 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). Guests 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 guests’ own personal devices, which
"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 realize our discerning vision for guests’ connectivity. In turn, our guests will enjoy free, personalized, 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, 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."
Riyadh Air's selection of Viasat underscores its commitment to providing a best-in-class digital experience for its guests. With Viasat’s leading 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. As such, Riyadh Air is assured to remain at the forefront of in-flight connectivity innovation for years to come.
For more information about Viasat’s inflight connectivity solutions, please visit the Company’s Commercial Aviation page at vsat.co/commercial-aviation.
*Data according to Viasat’s 2024 Passenger Experience Survey published in Dec 2024
About Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air is a world-class airline owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Launched in March 2023, the airline will be a digitally-led, full-service airline that adopts the best global sustainability and safety practices across its advanced fleet of aircraft. Riyadh Air will equip its aircraft with the most advanced, state-of-the-art features with innovative, best-in-class cabin interiors and experiences, including next generation digital in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity solutions. Riyadh Air will connect guests to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030 through offering an exceptional guest experience with an authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart.
For more information visit website: www.riyadhair.com - and for any media inquiries please contact media@riyadhair.com
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube.
Copyright © 2025 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered trademarks in the U.S. and in other countries of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Viasat, Inc. Contacts:
Scott Goryl, External Communications, Corporate & Aviation, Scott.Goryl@viasat.com
Lisa Curran/Peter Lopez, Investor Relations, IR@viasat.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include among others, statements related to the introduction of Viasat’s IFC services on Riyadh Air’s new Boeing 787 aircraft; the enhanced internet experience passengers can expect; and the availability, capabilities and performance of Viasat’s IFC services. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: our ability to successfully implement our business plan for our broadband services on our anticipated timeline or at all; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of the satellite(s) used to supply these services, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; contractual problems; product defects; manufacturing issues or delays; regulatory issues; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key suppliers; technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and other factors affecting the aviation sector generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
FAQ
What in-flight connectivity services will Viasat provide for Riyadh Air's Boeing 787 Dreamliners?
How can non-loyalty members access Viasat's connectivity services on Riyadh Air flights?
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What percentage of passengers prioritize streaming on personal devices during flights according to Viasat's 2024 survey?
