Saudia Airlines has launched its first fully internet-enabled flight, marking a key milestone in the carrier’s digital transformation strategy and Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation technology ambitions.
The trial flight, part of an ongoing pilot phase, aims to test the new onboard WiFi system and gather feedback from passengers and users before a full rollout across the fleet.
The initiative underscores Saudia’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through comprehensive, high-efficiency digital connectivity.
Free high-speed internet for all passengers
Once officially launched, the service will be provided free of charge to all passengers in every travel class.
The system currently delivers connection speeds of up to 300 megabits per second, with the potential to exceed 800 megabits per second in future upgrades.
Passengers will be able to browse the internet, stream live content, participate in video calls, and access virtual meetings without interruption — while seamlessly switching between multiple devices during the flight.
Ministers test technology mid-air
The inaugural test flight, SV1044, featured a live demonstration attended by Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, along with Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group.
During the flight, conducted at an altitude of 35,000 feet, the minister watched a live Saudi Pro League match, held a video call with Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and gave a live television interview — all powered by the aircraft’s high-speed internet connection.
Minister Al-Jasser said the in-flight connectivity represents both a technological luxury and an essential service, describing it as a strategic component of Saudi Arabia’s aviation transformation programme. He called for expedited implementation of the system across Saudia’s entire fleet.
Fleet-wide expansion underway
Eng. Al-Omar said nearly 20 aircraft have already been equipped with the new service, with plans to expand to the entire Saudia fleet and all incoming aircraft once legal and regulatory procedures are completed.
He added that Saudia remains committed to its goal of delivering a fully integrated digital travel experience, positioning the airline at the forefront of aviation innovation in the region.
Eng. Al-Omar said the service “reflects Saudia’s pride in enhancing the travel experience through innovative digital services,” and reaffirmed that it “will soon be available free of charge to all passenger classes on board.”
Digital transformation milestone
The introduction of high-speed in-flight internet aligns with the Kingdom’s broader digital transformation strategy, as outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, and supports its ambition to build a future-ready air transport ecosystem.
By integrating cutting-edge connectivity technology, Saudia is positioning itself among a select group of global carriers offering multi-device, high-speed, low-latency inflight connectivity, redefining what passengers can expect from the modern travel experience.
