Riyadh Air: Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious New National Airline

Riyadh Air, the ambitious new national airline of Saudi Arabia, is gearing up to serve 100 cities with a fleet of 200 jets as part of the Kingdom’s strategic vision to become a global tourist hub. Tony Douglas, the Lancastrian CEO, aims to reclaim Saudi travelers who have long relied on neighboring hubs in the UAE and Qatar for international flights.

Douglas, who previously worked for Etihad, highlights the need for improved global connectivity to support Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing economy, which the IMF forecasts as the second-fastest growing in the world this year. Riyadh Air’s launch next summer is a key component of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and boost tourism.

Rather than competing directly with Gulf giants like Emirates and Qatar Airways, Riyadh Air aims to recapture traffic that rightfully belongs to Saudi Arabia, enhancing connectivity and supporting the Kingdom’s economic diversification. Douglas emphasized that better connectivity is essential for a sustainable, fast-growing economy.

Riyadh Air has already formed strategic partnerships with airlines such as Turkish Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air China, and Egyptair, allowing it to sell tickets globally and build a robust support network. The airline plans to announce routes serving major cities in Europe, the US, India, and the Far East within the first three years.

To achieve its ambitious goals, Riyadh Air has ordered 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes and plans to introduce new narrow-body jets. The airline will begin test flights later this year and aims to establish a global presence, with a distinctive brand and luxurious cabin crew fashion line designed by Saudi couturier Ashi.

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