Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air Plans Large-Scale Expansion with New Orders and European Destinations
Riyadh Air, the Saudi Arabian airline, intends to expand its fleet to compete with regional giants, according to its CEO, Tony Douglas.
This decision follows the Kingdom's second flag carrier's order of 39 Boeing 787-9 jets last year, with an option for 33 more.
The expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia's goal to broaden its aviation industry and attract more tourists, moving beyond pilgrimage travel, which currently dominates inbound tourism.
Douglas stated that Riyadh Air needs a "very large fleet" and plans to make additional orders.
A new Saudi Arabian airline is planning to place a narrowbody aircraft order and may make a larger order later to expand.
Former Etihad Airways CEO Douglas, who is leading the new airline, is concerned about potential delays in aircraft deliveries due to production challenges at Boeing and Airbus.
The establishment of the new airline is part of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification plan.
Douglas expressed confidence in travel demand in November 2023.
A new airline named Riyadh Air is set to launch in Saudi Arabia, taking advantage of the country's growing economy and rising tourist numbers.
The airline will focus on organic growth and not pursue mergers or acquisitions.
Its initial destinations will be major cities in Europe, the US East Coast, and Canada, with the first flight scheduled for June 2025.
Securing airport slots may be challenging due to capacity constraints at some hubs, but Riyadh Air remains confident in its ability to overcome these challenges.
The expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia's goal to broaden its aviation industry and attract more tourists, moving beyond pilgrimage travel, which currently dominates inbound tourism.
Douglas stated that Riyadh Air needs a "very large fleet" and plans to make additional orders.
A new Saudi Arabian airline is planning to place a narrowbody aircraft order and may make a larger order later to expand.
Former Etihad Airways CEO Douglas, who is leading the new airline, is concerned about potential delays in aircraft deliveries due to production challenges at Boeing and Airbus.
The establishment of the new airline is part of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification plan.
Douglas expressed confidence in travel demand in November 2023.
A new airline named Riyadh Air is set to launch in Saudi Arabia, taking advantage of the country's growing economy and rising tourist numbers.
The airline will focus on organic growth and not pursue mergers or acquisitions.
Its initial destinations will be major cities in Europe, the US East Coast, and Canada, with the first flight scheduled for June 2025.
Securing airport slots may be challenging due to capacity constraints at some hubs, but Riyadh Air remains confident in its ability to overcome these challenges.
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