Photo: Falcons Spotters | Shutterstock
Riyadh Air
is set to become Saudi Arabia’s second flag carrier, aiming to transform the country’s aviation landscape while supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan. Announced in 2023, Riyadh Air is backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and is designed to cater to the growing demand for air travel in and out of Saudi Arabia. It aims to complement the operations of
Saudia
, the country’s existing flag carrier, while elevating Riyadh’s global profile as a central hub for international tourism and business.
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Bold new entrant to the aviation market
Saudi Arabia is keen to position itself as a critical player in the global aviation industry, and the launch of Riyadh Air is a significant step in that direction. According to The Economist, the airline is betting on a surge in tourism to Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom aims to attract 100 million visitors annually by 2030.
Photo: Falcons Spotters | Shutterstock
The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative seeks to diversify the economy away from oil by fostering growth in tourism, hospitality, and aviation. Riyadh Air is integral to this plan, designed to cater to the projected increase in international traffic for leisure and business.
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The airline is expected to operate from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, transforming it into a central global hub. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to compete with other Middle Eastern aviation giants such as
Emirates
,
Qatar Airways
, and
Etihad Airways
, each of which has built a robust network of long-haul international routes.
A CEO with a bold vision
In June 2023, Tony Douglas, Etihad Airways’s former CEO, was appointed Riyadh Air’s Chief Executive Officer. Douglas, an aviation industry veteran, brings decades of experience to this ambitious new project.
Photo: Agraam
Douglas emphasized that unserved markets are “unacceptable” for Riyadh Air, hinting at the airline’s plans to expand its network to cover vital international markets quickly. Douglas’ strategic approach will likely focus on maximizing Riyadh’s geographic advantage, positioning the airline to tap into under-served and high-demand regions, particularly in Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Under Douglas’ leadership, Riyadh Air plans to position itself as a full-service carrier, aiming for luxury and efficiency. The airline’s target demographic includes tourists and business travelers increasingly looking toward Saudi Arabia as an economic hub. This dual focus aligns with the government’s broader goals for the country’s development, making Riyadh Air a crucial player in Saudi Arabia’s future economic success.
Photo: Falcons Spotters | Shutterstock
Fleet and operational plans
Riyadh Air is already gearing up for a rapid expansion. In March 2023, the airline ordered 39
Boeing 787 Dreamliners
, with options for 33 more, securing one of the most modern and fuel-efficient fleets available. The choice of the Dreamliner was strategic, offering a balance between long-range capabilities and environmental efficiency, both of which are crucial for Riyadh Air’s international ambitions.
|
Aircraft Type |
Manufacturer |
Total on Order |
Seats (Approx.) |
Range (NM) |
Primary Usage |
Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner |
Boeing |
39 |
290-310 |
7,530 |
Long-haul international routes |
Starting 2025 |
|
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (Options) |
Boeing |
33 (Options) |
290-310 |
7,530 |
Long-haul international routes |
Optional, based on demand |
|
Boeing 737 MAX |
Boeing |
Unspecified |
160-210 |
3,850 |
Short to medium-haul regional routes |
Expected post-2025 |
The airline also has plans to add additional aircraft, including the narrowbody Boeing 737 MAX, to serve shorter regional routes. According to Condé Nast Traveller, Riyadh Air plans to operate its first flights in early 2025, with its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) expected to be finalized by the end of 2024.
Photo: Riyadh Air
Given the airline’s significant financial and governmental backing, this timeline is aggressive yet achievable. The company has not disclosed specific details about its initial route network. Still, it is expected to focus on major global cities with strong demand for business and tourism travel.
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Targeting global tourism and business travelers
Riyadh Air’s emergence is closely tied to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to boost its tourism sector. Vision 2030 has set ambitious goals for Saudi Arabia to become a leading destination for leisure and business travelers, and Riyadh Air is seen as a critical enabler of this transformation. By positioning itself as a luxury airline, Riyadh Air hopes to attract high-end travelers drawn to Saudi Arabia’s developing hospitality sector, which includes new resorts, hotels, and cultural attractions.
According to Riyadh Air’s official website, the airline will also focus on offering cutting-edge passenger experiences. These will include luxury cabins and a modern inflight entertainment system. Riyadh Air plans to differentiate itself through personalized services catering to the needs of discerning international travelers.
Business travel is another critical focus for Riyadh Air. As the Kingdom continues to grow as a business hub, with sectors such as finance, technology, and construction expanding rapidly, the airline will cater to an increasing number of business travelers flying in and out of Saudi Arabia. By establishing a network that connects Riyadh to major global business centers, Riyadh Air aims to become a preferred choice for corporate passengers.
Strategic advantages and challenges
Riyadh Air is positioning itself strategically to take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s geographical location, which is ideal for connecting critical global markets. From Riyadh, the airline will be able to serve a vast network of destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa. By building a robust long-haul network, Riyadh Air aims to attract passengers who currently fly with other Middle Eastern carriers but are looking for more direct routes to Saudi Arabia. Although there are no confirmed routes, this is what an initial route map may look like:
Photo: Great Circle Maps | Simple Flying
However, the airline faces significant challenges. Competition from well-established regional carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, will be fierce. These airlines have built extensive networks and customer bases, making it difficult for a new entrant like Riyadh Air to carve out its niche.
The airline’s leadership has expressed confidence that Riyadh Air can differentiate itself by tapping into markets historically underserved by other airlines, thereby building a new base of loyal customers. This ambitious strategy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification and modernization goals, leveraging aviation as a critical driver for growth.
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Riyadh Air has signed several MoUs with carriers from various geographical regions, with a particular focus on China.
Looking forward
Riyadh Air’s launch represents a significant milestone in
Saudi Arabia
‘s efforts to reshape its aviation industry and attract millions of new visitors. At the same time, it faces stiff competition from established regional players. Riyadh Air’s strategic vision, substantial financial backing, and experienced leadership position do it well for success.
Photo: Riyadh Air
As the airline begins operations in 2025, it will be crucial in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals and transforming Riyadh into a global aviation hub. According to The Economist, Riyadh Air’s success will hinge on the Kingdom’s ability to deliver on its broader tourism and economic promises.
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If the Vision 2030 goals are met, Riyadh Air has the potential to become a significant player in global aviation, reshaping the region’s competitive landscape and offering passengers new options for luxury and business travel.