Saudia has made progress in improving the onboard travel experience by completing its first high-speed internet pilot flight. This test, held on flight SV1044 at 35,000 feet, is part of the airline’s plan to assess performance, improve the technology, and prepare to offer it across all its planes.
During the flight, senior officials tested the new system in real time by streaming a football match, joining a video call, and participating in live media events. The test showed that the connection stayed stable and worked well, even when several people used it at once.
Right now, the technology offers speeds up to 300 Mbps, and future upgrades should make it even faster. Passengers will be able to browse, stream, join online meetings, and switch between devices without losing connection, making the digital experience in the air smoother.
When the service is fully available, all passengers will be able to use it for free. This supports Saudia’s goal to make travel more comfortable, convenient, and productive. The project also aligns with the Kingdom’s broader plans to modernize aviation, where fast internet will become the norm rather than an extra.
The pilot flight also gives Saudia the opportunity to observe how passengers might use the service once it becomes widely available. High-speed connectivity is expected to change how people spend their time on board—whether catching up on work, staying in touch with family, or streaming entertainment throughout the journey. By testing the system at altitude and under normal flight conditions, the airline can see how different types of usage affect performance, helping ensure that the final rollout supports both casual browsing and heavier digital activity with the same level of stability.
About 20 planes already have the new system, and more will get it as the rollout continues on both current and new aircraft. With this upgrade, Saudia is becoming a regional leader in connected travel, helping passengers stay online in the air as easily as they do on the ground.
