Riyadh Air: a bold new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s aviation journey

23.11.2024 - 02:57 / euronews.com / Tony Douglas

Saudi Arabia is soaring into a new era with Riyadh Air, the Kingdom's ambitious new national airline. 

With it’s anticipated maiden flight in 2025, Riyadh Air aims to enhance the nation’s global connectivity while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s vibrant culture, rich heritage and transformative ambitions.

Riyadh Air is set to play a pivotal role in achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, including attracting 150 million annual visitors by the end of the decade. The airline is not only set to cater for the Kingdom’s burgeoning tourism sector but also to diversify the economy and create over 200,000 jobs.

By blending state-of-the-art technology with a celebration of Saudi culture and hospitality, Riyadh Air is carving out a unique identity that balances future with heritage.

While Riyadh Air will connect over 100 destinations globally by 2030, its brand identity is deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh. The airline’s narrative highlights the city as a thriving cultural and economic hub, offering a gateway to the Kingdom’s rich history and natural wonders.

Riyadh’s bustling city centre boasts a mix of traditional souks, grand palaces and modern commercial districts, underscoring its appeal as a cosmopolitan hub. Within and beyond the city, travelers can explore Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as nearby natural attractions such as Al Kharrarah National Park and the breathtaking Edge of the World.

For adventurers seeking to delve deeper into the vast nation of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh offers proximity to other UNESCO sites, including:

Riyadh Air represents a clean slate, unburdened by legacy, allowing it to craft a fresh identity that seamlessly integrates Saudi Arabia’s deep cultural roots with its future-looking aspirations.

The airline’s logo, inspired by Arabic calligraphy, pays homage to the Kingdom’s artistic heritage while its framed design evokes air travel, symbolising a gateway to both the skies and Saudi Arabia. This thoughtful branding encapsulates Riyadh Air’s mission: to connect tradition with innovation.

In line with its future-oriented strategy, Riyadh Air is also committed to sustainability. The airline’s fleet of a total of 132 aircraft includes 60 state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft, alongside 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, designed to reduce noise and cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Riyadh Air is fully committed to applying the best global sustainability and safety practices in the aviation industry.

A standout feature of the airline’s strategy is its digital-first mentality. “We have a very clear purpose statement and that is [to be] a digitally-led business that enables travel,” says CEO Tony Douglas. 

To achieve this, the airline has developed a cutting-edge mobile