SpaceX could soon offer Starlink satellite internet service on Saudi Arabia's flag carrier
According to Bloomberg, Saudi is finalising a deal with SpaceX to roll out the Starlink internet service across its fleet of more than 140 aircraft. The Jeddah-based airline has flight operations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
Qatar Airways, another major carrier in the Middle East, has been offering Starlink satellite internet service onboard its flights since 2024. In fact, Qatar Airways was the first global airline to operate a Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped flight. Currently, over 40 of Qatar Airways's Boeing 777 aircraft have Starlink satellite internet connectivity. The airline is in the process of a full rollout of Starlink to its Boeing 777 and A350 fleets by the end of 2025.
In May this year, Saudi Arabia had approved the use of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service for aviation and maritime shipping. According to Saudi officials, Starlink, which uses low Earth orbit satellites for broadband coverage, will be used to offer reliable connectivity for the aviation and maritime industries in remote areas.
Musk also has deep business ties with Saudi Arabia, and both Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's private office and his Kingdom Holding Company have stakes in xAI.
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