The Middle East is getting a new major airline. The Saudi Arabian carrier called Riyadh Air, will aim to use its geographic location straddling Asia, Africa and Europe to its advantage as it eyes connections to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030.
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, chair of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which will own the airline, officially announced the creation of Riyadh Air on Sunday. The Prince is also Saudi Arabia’s Prime Minister.
PIF Governor His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan will chair the new venture, while former Etihad boss and industry veteran Tony Douglas will serve as CEO.
“Riyadh Air will be a digitally native airline, driven by a pioneering spirit with an obsessive focus on attention to detail and innovation at its heart,” Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas says.
“We aim to permanently transcend our guests’ perceptions and experiences of flying in the modern world.
“The new airline comes at a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia, as it realizes the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.
“We are privileged to play an active role in showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural attractions to tourists from around the world.”
‘Hospitality at its heart’
Based in Saudi capital Riyadh, the airline plans to operate with sustainability front of mind and also under the highest safety standards across an “advanced fleet of aircraft equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology”.
Additionally, it will offer “authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart”.
Riyadh Air joins Jeddah-based and state-owned Saudia as one of the two main airlines in Saudi Arabia.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the PIF is close to finalising a deal for Boeing jets worth US$35 billion.
Riyadh Air forms part of Saudi’s overall plan to diversify its economy, which currently relies heavily on oil, and expects to add US$20 billion to non-oil GDP growth and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
It also comes amid the nation’s push to pull more tourism to its shores. Called Saudi Vision 2030, the National Tourism strategy seeks to lure 100 million international visitors to Saudi Arabia annually by 2030.
