Riyadh Air: Connecting Saudi Arabia to the World
Riyadh Air, a new full-service airline, is set to launch in 2025 with a goal to serve over 100 destinations by 2030. The CEO, Tony Douglas, recently spoke to Arab News on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show, where he shared the airline’s plans to connect Saudi Arabia to major cities in Europe and enhance the guest experience through digitalization. In this article, we will delve deeper into Riyadh Air’s plans and how it aims to become the world’s first-ever true digital native.
Connecting Saudi Arabia to the World
Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and the highest populated country within the Arabian Peninsula. However, it is not globally well-connected as it needs to be. Riyadh Air aims to change that by connecting the Kingdom’s capital to major cities in Europe. The airline has already placed an initial order for 39 Boeing 787-9s with options for another 33. Additionally, it plans to introduce narrowbody aircraft to its fleet.
Riyadh Air’s CEO, Tony Douglas, emphasized that the airline would be a full-service carrier, focusing on enhancing the guest experience with the current level of digitalization. He stated that the airline would be the world’s first-ever true digital native. Passengers will be able to interact with Riyadh Air through their mobile phones or handheld devices, making it easier for them to book flights, check-in, and access other services.
Customized Flow of Content and Offerings
Douglas compared Riyadh Air’s efforts to those of Spotify and Uber, where each user has a customized flow of content and offerings. The airline aims to enhance customer data processing to better serve each flyer in a way that is not currently possible. By doing so, Riyadh Air hopes to differentiate itself from other airlines and provide a unique experience for its passengers.
Sustainability is Key
Douglas also highlighted the importance of sustainability in commercial aviation. He stated that environmental sustainability is the biggest challenge in this day and age, and anyone who doesn’t take it seriously will almost certainly fail. Riyadh Air aims to pay attention to sustainability and ensure that its operations are environmentally friendly.
Doing Away with Legacy Expenses and Systems
Since Riyadh Air is a new venture, it enjoys the benefit of doing away with legacy expenses and systems that usually impede airline performance. The airline can start fresh and implement the latest technologies and processes to enhance its operations and provide a better experience for its passengers.
Conclusion
Riyadh Air’s plans to connect Saudi Arabia to major cities in Europe and become the world’s first-ever true digital native are ambitious. The airline aims to differentiate itself from other airlines by providing a customized flow of content and offerings to each passenger. Additionally, Riyadh Air is committed to sustainability and ensuring that its operations are environmentally friendly. With its initial order for 39 Boeing 787-9s and plans to introduce narrowbody aircraft, Riyadh Air is set to become a major player in the aviation industry.