Neo Space Group (NSG), a PIF company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial space services provider, today announced the successful deployment of three advanced ground gateway systems in collaboration with Hughes Network Systems, LLC (an EchoStar company), leveraging the JUPITER™ 3 ground system to support next-generation in-flight connectivity (IFC) services powered by NSG SATCOM.
This milestone marks a strategic step in NSG’s mission to build a sovereign, future-ready connectivity ecosystem integrating satellite capacity, ground infrastructure, and aviation technologies to deliver reliable, scalable connectivity across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. It further strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional and global hub for advanced space-enabled services, in alignment with Vision 2030.
The newly deployed gateway systems are strategically located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Sintra, Portugal; and the Canary Islands, forming a high-performance infrastructure designed to enhance coverage, redundancy, scalability, and seamless connectivity across major international flight corridors.
The deployment is part of NSG’s broader strategy to expand its aviation connectivity portfolio, including NSG Skywaves®, enabling airlines to deliver high-speed broadband, uninterrupted passenger connectivity, and enhanced onboard digital experiences across long-haul and regional routes.
During initial flight testing, the system delivered speeds exceeding 100 Mbps, with peak performance reaching approximately 200 Mbps, demonstrating the capability of NSG’s infrastructure to meet growing demand for high-capacity, reliable in-flight connectivity.
“Airlines and passengers expect the same level of connectivity in the air as on the ground,” said Ramesh Ramaswamy, Executive Vice President at Hughes Network Systems. “Through our collaboration with Neo Space Group, we are enabling a robust regional network powered by NSG SATCOM, designed to deliver reliable, high-capacity connectivity across key global aviation routes. This reflects our continued commitment to advancing satellite-enabled mobility solutions worldwide”.
The gateway architecture enables dynamic capacity allocation across beams and supports seamless roaming across coverage zones, ensuring consistent service quality for airlines operating across multiple regions. This strengthens NSG’s ability to support fleet expansion and deliver premium IFC services across diverse operating environments.
Tarek El Mitwalli, Executive Vice President of Aviation at Neo Space Group, said: “This deployment represents another important milestone in NSG’s journey to redefine aviation connectivity through sovereign, integrated, and future-ready infrastructure. By combining NSG’s satellite assets with advanced ground systems and global technology partnerships, we are building a resilient, high-performance platform through NSG Skywaves®, designed to meet the evolving needs of airlines and passengers. As demand for seamless connectivity continues to grow, NSG is well-positioned to deliver next-generation solutions at scale.”
This deployment builds on NSG’s growing aviation connectivity portfolio, including recent agreements with leading regional airlines such as Saudia and Riyadh Air, reinforcing demand for high-performance IFC solutions across the Kingdom and beyond. It also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions by advancing high-tech industries, strengthening local capabilities, and positioning the Kingdom as a regional hub for advanced aviation and satellite-enabled services.
About NSG:
Neo Space Group (NSG) is a global space services company offering a broad portfolio across satellite communications, geospatial intelligence, and PNT (Positioning, Navigation and Timing), serving government and enterprise stakeholders across strategic sectors, including defense, aviation, and critical infrastructure.
As part of PIF, NSG is positioned as a strategic company for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within its Vision Portfolio. In this role, NSG contributes to transforming the Saudi space economy, driving innovation and job creation, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
About Hughes:
Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), provides broadband equipment and services, managed services featuring smart, software-defined networking, and end-to-end network operations for consumers, businesses, governments, airlines, and communities worldwide. The Hughes flagship internet service, Hughesnet®, connects millions of people across the Americas, and the Hughes JUPITER™ System powers internet access for tens of millions more worldwide. Hughes supplies more than half the global satellite terminal market to leading satellite operators, mobile network operators and military customers. Hughes products and services have enabled in-flight video and broadband on thousands of aircraft for over twenty years. A managed network services provider, Hughes supports approximately half a million enterprise sites with its portfolio of wired and wireless solutions, including 5G Open RAN and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
©2026 Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company. Hughes and Hughesnet are registered trademarks, and JUPITER is a trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.
Featured image credited to NSG
