Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air made its international debut at the Paris Air Show, planning a goal to reach 100 million visitors by 2023 to mark the beginning of its journey towards becoming a prominent airline. Riyadh Air aims to take the lead in the aviation industry by transforming Saudi Arabia into a global aviation and trade hub, capitalizing on its unique strategic location. It is the result of the National Aviation Strategy, which aims to shape the future of air travel by:
- Establishing a new national airline based in Riyadh.
- Implementing modern and advanced standards in the aviation sector.
- Supporting the goal of increasing annual travellers to 330 million by 2030, tripling the current number
Riyadh Air: Redefining the Future of Air Travel
Riyadh Air will serve as a platform to realize this vision, showcasing the best of Saudi Arabia to the world. The airline, founded in March 2023, is at the forefront of digital aviation, incorporating top international sustainability and safety practices. By bringing together experts from the aviation industry and beyond, Riyadh Air will deliver an exceptional travel experience.
The ambitious goal set by Riyadh Air is to fly to over 100 destinations and attract 100 million visitors by 2030. According to Zawya News, Riyadh Air is owned by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, PIF, and the airline is scheduled to commence operations in 2025.
Heading the airline as CEO is Tony Douglas, a seasoned aviation professional who previously led Etihad Airways. Although Riyadh Air has ordered 39 Boeing Co.
“The airline will bring a new level of attention to detail to guest experience and has technology that will raise the bar for the industry,” the company said.
Riyadh Air’s presence at the Paris Air Show did not include any major announcements regarding 787 Dreamliner jets. Analysts anticipate that the airline’s considerable expansion will result in a contribution of $20 billion to the non-oil GDP. Moreover, the airline has also projected the creation of over 200,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.
