Neo Space Group (NSG) has announced the deployment of ThinKom's ThinAir Ka2517 antennas across multiple airline fleets to enhance inflight connectivity. The antennas operate within a multi-orbit satellite architecture, utilizing SES’s Open Orbits network that integrates geostationary and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites.
Deployment has begun on Saudia’s Airbus A320 fleet, with plans for Riyadh Air’s Airbus A321neo aircraft to be equipped as well. The Ka2517 antenna has obtained certification from SES for compatibility with the Open Orbits system and additional approvals from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These antennas are also available as line-fit options on Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
According to Jeff Sare, Chief Commercial Officer at ThinKom, the antennas provide high throughput, spectral efficiency, and reliability. Tarek El Mitwalli, NSG’s EVP of aviation, emphasized the solution’s versatility across different orbital planes and flight environments. NSG’s contracts include airlines such as Thai Airways, Uzbekistan Airways, and Turkish Airlines, all operating the Ka2517 antenna on various aircraft types.
The ThinAir antenna series has surpassed 2,000 aircraft installations and has accumulated over 65 million flight hours. Its low power consumption, efficient heat dissipation, and aerodynamic design make it well-suited for Middle Eastern airline operations, contributing to fuel savings and operational efficiency.
