NEO Space Group (Nsg) And Thai Airways International Join Forces To Elevate Passenger Experience With High-Speed In-Flight Connectivity

October 29, 2024

Neo Space Group (NSG), a PIF-owned company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial satellite services provider, has been selected by THAI Airways International, the national flag carrier of Thailand, to provide state-of-the-art In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) solutions for its fleet. This collaboration positions THAI Airways as a leader in digital innovation, offering passengers a fully personalized and seamless in-flight experience. By working with NSG, THAI is setting a new standard in passenger experience, equipping its fleet with cutting-edge IFC technology.

The announcement includes the activation of NSG’s In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) solution on THAI Airways' future A321NX aircraft and existing B777 fleet, utilizing Airbus HBCplus and Safran’s AeroConnect terminals, respectively.

NSG's IFC solution will provide passengers with internet speeds of up to 200Mbps, delivering best-in-class complimentary Wi-Fi streaming to premium class passengers and Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) members. This investment in enhancing the passenger experience is part of THAI’s broader strategy to emerge stronger following recent challenges, with a renewed focus on service excellence and digital innovation, all while maintaining its signature hospitality.

Global Coverage and Superior Performance

A key factor for this selection is NSG’s integration of the SES Open Orbits™ network, which upon receipt of regulatory authorizations, will provide multi-orbit coverage across all of THAI’s routes. This will ensure consistent, high-speed connectivity regardless of the flight’s location, giving passengers uninterrupted access to their digital services.

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Wirush Theparak, Head of Customer Experience and Product, said: “Thai Airways International is committed to delivering an elevated guest experience. Our partnership with NSG allows us to vastly improve our in-flight connectivity and offer our passengers new levels of convenience, entertainment, and comfort. This initiative marks a significant step in our journey to redefine passenger expectations.”

“Being selected by Thai Airways International highlights the strength and versatility of NSG’s multi-orbit connectivity solutions," said Martijn Blanken, CEO of NSG. "We are excited to support Thai Airways in elevating the passenger experience with reliable, high-speed internet. This collaboration marks not only the airline’s resurgence but also its forward-thinking vision, and we are proud to play a role in shaping its future.”

As THAI embarks on a new chapter focused on enhancing its passenger services, this partnership highlights the airline’s commitment to innovation and growth. NSG’s tailored connectivity solutions and unparalleled digital services will play a critical role in this transformation, setting the airline apart in the highly competitive aviation industry. NSG’s solution for THAI leverages satellites in multiple orbits to significantly enhance in-flight internet speed and latency, ensuring a seamless passenger experience.

NSG’s fully integrated IFC solution, Skywaves, developed in collaboration with Display Interactive, leverages multi-orbit connectivity and, subject to obtaining regulatory authorizations, will deliver an innovative, seamless digital experience for passengers. Skywaves integrates with the SES Open Orbits™ network, to provide a fully interoperable multi-orbit Ka-band platform that supports an open architecture network where traffic can be intelligently steered across the satellites of multiple parties for a seamless connected airline passenger experience. Additionally, NSG is collaborating with Airbus HBC+, Safran, Eclipse, and others to provide multiple hardware options for fleet integration, ensuring seamless deployment of IFC across airlines.

This partnership is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, further cementing NSG’s position as a key player in the global satellite services industry, while supporting the advancement of the region’s aviation sector through cutting-edge technology.