Taqnia, the Saudi-based technology development and investment centre, has unveiled a new service that provides passengers with high-speed internet around the world.
UON, which has a launch date of Q2 2018 on Saudia Arabia’s flag-carrying airline Saudia, is a solution that allows passengers, travelling on both short and long-haul flights, to access the internet, telephone and live TV streaming services using their own mobile devices.
Abdullah Alosaimi, CEO of Taqnia Space company, said in a briefing during Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg: “With UON, all airlines around the world will be able to offer their passengers high-throughput-connectivity services that are currently provided on a limited scale by a few airlines in North America.”
The solution has been deployed by Taqnia in collaboration with its international partners including the satellite operator Eutelsat, the aero design and engineering firm Jamco, satellite technology provider Idirect, content delivery solution provider Axinom and connected aircraft solutions provider SITAONAIR.
Key features include true broadband in-flight connectivity (up to 50 mbps) and an entertainment service through guaranteed connectivity to satellites. Through the UON platform, all services can also be billed using a simple, easy-to-use payment system. “With UON, airlines are opening entirely new segments of value creation – without expensive investments in in-flight connectivity (IFC) and technology updates, which saves a lot of money and time for airlines,” said Alosaimi.
For passengers looking for the next-generation connectivity service, UON travellers will benefit from interactive broadband internet, GSM roaming with no hidden costs and easy access to their personal mobile devices.
