Fresh details have emerged about the new Saudi Arabian airline,
Riyadh Air, which is expected to launch international and regional
operations within two years.
In a multi-billion dollar deal, the airline has ordered up to 72
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, 39 of them confirmed orders with options for a
further 33 of the same aircraft type.
The under-construction King Salman International Airport and Riyadh
Air are among the latest investments of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment
Fund in support of Saudi Vision 2030, whose primary goal is to promote
the country’s non-oil business sectors, such as tourism, banking and IT.
The
Boeing aircraft order is being viewed as confirmation that Saudi Arabia
intends to become a major player in global tourism, trade and
transportation, challenging Dubai, Qatar and Abu Dhabi as “a gateway to
the world”, according to Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammad bin
Salman.
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said the new airline will link
capital city Riyadh with 100 international destinations and is committed
to providing customers with full, five-star service, digital innovation
and authentic Saudi hospitality.
Douglas, who served as CEO of Etihad Aviation Group from January 2018
to October 2022, added, “The new airline reflects the ambitious vision
of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air
travel and be a true disrupter in terms of customer experience.”