Riyadh Air Unveils Network Expansion Strategy for 2025 Launch
Riyadh Air is gearing up for a late 2025 launch with plans to connect Saudi Arabia to key global markets, starting with two European cities as its first international destinations. CEO Tony Douglas revealed the airline aims to add two new routes and receive one aircraft per month during its initial phase.
Early operations will focus on major cities in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Europe. While the airline currently holds one Boeing 787-9 for certification and training purposes, it is not part of the launch fleet. Riyadh Air has firm orders for 39 Boeing 787-9s, 60 Airbus A321neo, and 25 Airbus A350-1000s, with none delivered to date.
Douglas outlined an ambitious vision to serve every European capital by 2030, alongside major destinations in the Far East, Central Asia, the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent, and the US East Coast. Expansion to Australia and New Zealand will follow once the fleet scales up.
In the interim, Riyadh Air plans to enter long-haul markets through strategic partnerships. Notably, the airline has signed memorandums of understanding with Singapore Airlines, EgyptAir, and Air France-KLM. A partnership with a North American carrier is also in the works.
Douglas highlighted plans for codeshare arrangements to enhance early network reach. For example, a “thick route” to Singapore could connect to Australia or New Zealand via a partner like Singapore Airlines.
Riyadh Air’s launch supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by boosting air connectivity and positioning Riyadh as a global aviation hub.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com