Riyadh Air CEO Unveils Ambitious Plans for Upcoming 2025 Launch

A new Saudi Arabian flag carrier, Riyadh Air, is set to take off in early 2025 with a focus on connecting the capital city of Riyadh with major destinations around the world. The airline’s CEO Tony Douglas revealed the plans and strategies of the new airline on June 18 at the Paris Air Show.

Douglas said that Riyadh Air will operate from its hub at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), which currently has mostly point-to-point services and lacks international connectivity. He said that Riyadh Air will offer flights to key markets in Europe, the US, and the Far East, as well as a significant domestic network.

Riyadh Air’s Douglas also revealed that the airline will collaborate with existing Saudi airlines, including Saudia, to establish or improve its domestic network. He emphasized that Riyadh Air will be an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s aviation ecosystem and will introduce relevant sub-brands catering to different market segments.

With an existing order of 72 Boeing 787-9 aircraft and ongoing discussions with aircraft manufacturers for narrowbody selection, Riyadh Air is focused on its fleet expansion. However, no additional orders will be announced at the show, though the airline plans to unveil its livery on a Boeing 787-9. Furthermore, a second livery will be revealed later this year.

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy and enhance its global presence, Riyadh Air aspires to become a prominent airline in the region and beyond.

Saudia Airlines, the current national carrier of Saudi Arabia, operates from its hub in Jeddah, serving over 90 destinations across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. With a fleet exceeding 150 aircraft, Saudia Airlines offers three classes of service: First Class, Business Class, and Guest Class.

While Saudia Airlines and Riyadh Air will not be in direct competition, they will collaborate as part of Saudi Arabia’s aviation ecosystem and Vision 2030 strategy to expand the economy and boost global influence. Their cooperation will encompass various aspects, including the domestic network and other operational areas.