Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, is looking to close an agreement with Saudia Airlines to deploy its internet services across their fleet.
This move would mark a major boost to the satellite company’s ambitions around in-flight Wi-Fi.
Bloomberg reported Saudia Airlines is finalising a deal with Starlink to employ its connectivity offering across a fleet of more than 140 aircraft, giving Musk a big foothold in the Gulf region.
If a deal is finalised, Starlink would emerge as a rival to Neo Space Group, which is backed by the Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund and is in the process of establishing its own satellite-based in-flight play.
It would also step up competition with established satellite operators including Viasat and Inmarsat which have been targeting the segment.
Talks with Saudia Airlines adds to other advanced discussions between Starlink and airlines including Emirates and Gulf Air, along with an existing Qatar Airways deal to offer Wi-Fi on select aircraft.
SpaceX set up a dedicated division within Starlink to oversee its entry to the in-flight connectivity segment in 2022. At the time, it charged $12,500 to $25,000 a month for the service, with a one-time hardware fee of $150,000.
Bloomberg reported the upfront hardware charge now ranges from between $300,000 to $500,000, in addition to a monthly fee for every seat.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Saudia Airlines
