Feb 23, 2017 The Boeing 777's unique combination of superior range, outstanding fuel efficiency and passenger-preferred comfort has created long-range success for carriers around the world. And the 777-300ER now gives operators a perfect opportunity to extend that success. The Saudia Airlines Boeing 777 features 232 seats in a 3 cabin configuration. Economy has 170 seats in a 3-4-3 config; Business class has 38 seats in a 2-3-2 config; First class has 24 seats in a 2-2-2 config; this is pretty standard for these aircraft.
- Saudia 777-200 Seat Map
- JFK To Dubai Without The Bling: Saudia's Disappointing ...
- Saudia 777-300 Economy
Though we suspected as much, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies has confirmed to Runway Girl Network that its new FAA supplemental type certificate (STC)for installation of dual-band satcom provisions on Boeing 777-300 and 777-300ER series aircraft was obtained in support of the Taqnia hybrid Ka/Ku connectivity project for Saudia. The solution will provide broadband connectivity to passengers.
“This STC implements the Taqnia Ka/Ku antenna onto the Saudia aircraft and serial modifications are already in progress,” revealed CarlisleIT director of product management, integrated products Jeff Behlendorf as part of a broader interview during which he explained CarlisleIT’s decision to join the Independent Aircraft Modifier Alliance (IAMA).
Asked if CarlisleIT followed the ARINC 792 spec for this Saudia package, Behlendorf confirmed that the Saudia installation follows the ARINC 791 standard “and we expect that standard to remain in use for most gimballed antenna installations in the future. ARINC 792 is more likely to be adapted for use with flat panels that require a large footprint on the aircraft.”
Saudia is a long-time customer of SITAONAIR’s L-band-supported Internetconnectivity service (and offers a variety of packages including a free WhatsApp plan on various routes). Yet it opted for the Taqnia broadband hybrid terminal for Airbus A320 narrowbodies, and is clearly now doing so for the 777s.
Broadly, industry appears to be seeing some meaningful movement now regarding dual-band antenna offerings. In addition to Taqnia’s work for Saudia, Viasat has placed renewed attentionon a hybrid (having originally launched on Virgin America), and both Viasat and Gilat are eyeing potential hybrid opportunities in China.
From CarlisleIT’s perspective, RGN asked, is hybrid antenna business on the march, and what regions will most likely adopt in the near-term – the Middle East, China, India?
“CarlisleIT has done Ku, Ka, and hybrid antenna installations using the same installation philosophy with a mix of radomes tuned for optimum performance. Generally, customers who fly over regions without a large single provider giving uniform coverage, see advantages in hybrid antennas,” responded Behlendorf.
He added: “It seems likely this will remain a solution being used in the Middle East and on Pacific Ocean routes. Central Asia as well as China and India have single-band options available to themand we would expect them to opt more often for a non-hybrid antenna on the majority of their fleets.”
CarlisleIT is on record saying
it is eager to support Inmarsat and Panasonic’s nextgen GX antenna work. But has any work started on a hybrid solution combining Panasonic Ku with Inmarsat GX?“CarlisleIT remains in contact with Inmarsat and Panasonic regarding their future antenna plans, but we cannot share that information publicly,” said Behlendorf.
Interestingly, Inmarsat regional vice president APAC Chris Rogerson told RGN correspondent Neelam Mathews that – quid pro quo-style – the year-old arrangement between Inmarsat and Panasonic enables Inmarsat to offer Panasonic’s NEXT IFE solutionsto Inmarsat’s commercial aviation customers.
“Over the past year, Inmarsat and Panasonic have made significant progress with aligning our processes and systems. This has been our core focus… [covering] important areas such as sales process, contracts, technology and operations processes,” he said.
Saudia 777-200 Seat Map
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I used to fly with other airlines that use the Jeddah North Terminal where it took an average of 3 - 4 hours to clear immigration. A colleague suggested that I try Saudia since the Jeddah South Terminal is less crowded and immigration clearance is much quicker. He was right, I was out in about 45 minutes with my bag.Legroom was slightly more than other economy cabins, food strictly airline average.
JFK To Dubai Without The Bling: Saudia's Disappointing ...
The screen was not working so no entertainment. There was something sharp sticking out of the headphone port next to the screen. I mentioned it to the stewardess on my way out. Hope it has been fixed as it could be dangerous - especially if a small child is seated there.