SAUDIA Group signs four more deals during second day at Dubai Airshow

SAUDIA Group has continued to sign more agreements at Dubai Airshow 2021. The national carrier finalized a total of four new deals during day two of the five-day event, which runs until Thursday 18 November.

The first agreement was with Inmarsat, the world’s leading satellite mobile telecom corporation, and GDC Technics, a leader in engineering and technology services and electronics. The two companies will install their jointly developed GX Aviation broadband network on SAUDIA’s Airbus A321neo and A321XLR to provide high-speed satellite internet through a high-performance interface. The move makes SAUDIA the Middle East’s first airline to deploy the technology, and the first since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, SAUDIA is the first airline in the world to use the new CXP Wi-Fi platform, which works with the GX Aviation system to provide flexible connectivity to guests through a new lightweight, cross-network Generation 2 port that future-proofs the airlines in-flight internet offerings.

SAUDIA also signed an agreement with Boeing for a range of services based on digital analysis that will boost the operational efficiency of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777 fleets. The airline will employ Boeing’s OMP maintenance monitoring program, which analyzes data to produce a detailed cross-section of improvements in maintenance services and incorporates a digital tool to manage Boeing aircraft to the highest quality standards. The deal also allows SAUDIA to make modifications to the 777’s cabin, including refitting reliability enhancements, as well as the supply of parts required to do so. 

In a major step to provide the best audiovisual content experience for its guests, SAUDIA signed an agreement with Panasonic Avionics. The company will supply the national airline with its NEXT In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system, which features 4K resolution and Bluetooth connectivity. The systems are set to be installed on 20 A321neos and 15 A321XLRs within the airline’s new fleet.

On the training front, Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, SAUDIA’s own world-class training school, signed a deal with L3Harris, a major global aviation and defense contractor. The Florida-based company will work with the Academy to install AIRSIDESIM™ simulators for the training of ground support staff, making it the first training institution in the region to use this advanced technology to train ground crew members and enhancing the safety of ground operations.

More than 1,200 exhibitors are taking part in Dubai Airshow 2021, which is the first international aviation event since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include 370 first-time exhibitors, together with representatives from civil and military aviation organizations from more than 140 countries.