Riyadh Air’s recent purchase of 60 aircraft, raising its total fleet to 132, highlights Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reshape global air travel. 

This acquisition, signed at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Conference, is a strategic move to position the kingdom as a major player in international aviation.

With its first flight set for 2025, Riyadh Air envisions establishing the capital as a top destination while amplifying Saudi Arabia’s presence on the world stage. This is part of a larger strategy to elevate Saudi Arabia in global aviation. By investing in a modern, fuel-efficient fleet, the airline aims to enhance travel experiences and align with the kingdom’s ongoing push for economic diversification.

FOCUSING ON SUSTAINABILITY

Riyadh Air is positioning itself as a digitally-driven airline, planning to include advanced technologies at every stage of the traveler’s experience. Its commitment to sustainability is reflected in its expanding fleet, featuring the advanced Boeing Dreamliner 787-9 aircraft, designed to set a new benchmark for efficiency and environmental responsibility in the aviation industry.

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas says, “This investment will not only enable us to support economic growth in the aviation industry, it will ensure Riyadh Air operates one of the most sustainable fleets in the industry and be instrumental in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its net-zero-emissions goals.” The fleet expansion is anticipated to contribute to the kingdom’s aviation ecosystem, boosting local and global economic impact.

ECONOMIC BOOST 

In addition to its environmental initiatives, Riyadh Air is focused on driving economic growth. As part of the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) strategy, the airline is expected to contribute $20 billion to the kingdom’s non-oil GDP by 2030. Its expanding operations are projected to create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, benefiting various sectors, including aviation, logistics, and tourism.

For H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Chairman of Riyadh Air, this ambitious order brings the airline closer to its network goals and solidifies Saudi Arabia’s position as a central player on the global aviation stage.

 “Riyadh Air is a unique start-up given its scale and mandate to connect the capital city to over 100 destinations within five years of its first flight,” he adds, emphasizing the kingdom’s vision to become a key global hub.

Riyadh Air’s fleet expansion isn’t only focused on numbers but also on enhancing connectivity and creating opportunities. 

By the end of the decade, the airline intends to link Riyadh with over 100 global destinations, aligning with the National Tourism Strategy and the Saudi National Transport and Logistics Strategy. 

By providing greater access to Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural heritage sites, Riyadh Air hopes to welcome a projected 100 million annual visitors by 2030, which is vital in achieving the country’s ambitious tourism goals.

A BOLD VISION 

Riyadh Air is focused on delivering a guest experience that combines Saudi hospitality with modern technology. 

Emphasizing its digital-native approach, the airline plans to implement technologies that facilitate travel efficiency. Passengers can anticipate advanced in-flight entertainment, reliable connectivity, and comfortable cabin interiors—key features that underline Riyadh Air’s goal of establishing itself as a significant player in premium international air travel.

Riyadh Air’s launch aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious infrastructure and development initiatives, including the upcoming King Salman International Airport and other significant projects in Riyadh. 

This landmark order positions Riyadh Air to reshape aviation in the Middle East by building a modern fleet that reflects the kingdom’s global aspirations.