Saudi Arabia to launch new multi-billion-dollar international airline: reports

Saudi Arabia is about to launch a new multi-billion-dollar international airline which will become the kingdom’s second national carrier, according to local outlet Arabian Business.

It is reported that Saudi Arabia has been working on the new airline’s for the past 12 months, and that the new venture is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Sources close to the PIF told Arabian Business that “RIA” is being tipped as the name for the new carrier. The name ‘RIA’ has been submitted to the PIF as a preferred option, though the final decision is likely to be made by Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman.

Saudia vs RIA: What is the difference?
The kingdom plans to make Riyadh the new carrier’s city base, with the city of Jeddah being the base headquarters of Saudia, current national carrier.

Saudia’s current focus is the religious traffic market, bringing pilgrims to Saudi Arabia’s holy sites, especially during the Hajj pilgrimage.