Air France is bringing back a popular link to Europe from Orlando International Airport (MCO) next summer.
30.10.2024 - 10:11 / skift.com / Tony Douglas / Gordon Smith
The chief executive of Riyadh Air will announce a major plane order later on Wednesday. Speaking on CNN’s Quest Means Business on Tuesday night, Tony Douglas dropped his biggest hints yet about the highly anticipated deal.
He confirmed that “another big aircraft order” will be revealed, adding that he is “delighted” with the agreement. While acknowledging that the deal is for single-aisle planes, the CEO would not be drawn on a manufacturer. Both Airbus and Boeing products are in contention.
CNN’s Richard Quest asked if the order is for “dozens”, or “high dozens” of planes. The airline executive replied with an animal metaphor to offer a broad steer without giving the game away.
“If you want to be a bear, be a grizzly. [There’s] no point in being a koala – even though they are very cute and very cuddly. Think of a number much bigger than that,” teased Douglas.
Pressed on if this meant a three-digit number, Douglas replied: “I probably wouldn’t go quite that far.”
In 2023, Riyadh Air placed its first aircraft order. The deal covered 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for a further 33. An additional widebody contract is expected in 2025 as momentum behind the airline gathers pace. Wednesday’s announcement will give the clearest indication yet about the future fleet mix of the airline.
Riyadh Air is wholly owned by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund, and forms part of an ambitious project to boost tourism to the country. The carrier has yet to start revenue service, with its first flights due in 2025.
Delays to aircraft deliveries have affected airlines around the world. The problem is particularly acute for start-up operators such as Riyadh Air that are relying on new planes to grow. More established airlines can often continue flying older generation aircraft until new jets arrive – this isn’t an option for brand-new firms – particularly in a tight leasing environment.
“We’ll definitely be in the air next year. Obviously we’re working really hard with the whole of our supply chain – they’re working really hard with us. We’re a start-up with big ambition, and we’re confident that next year will be the special year for Riyadh Air,” Douglas told CNN.
He added that the airline is “well on the way” to attaining its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). This is a mandatory document issued by regulators following intensive checks and testing of a company’s processes and procedures. Riyadh Air completed certification test flights at the start of October.
Wednesday’s announcement will take place at the FII Institute conference in Riyadh. The carrier is also expected to reveal major new digital-first initiatives, which Douglas described as “Version 1.0 of what a digital native airline looks like.”
Speaking
Air France is bringing back a popular link to Europe from Orlando International Airport (MCO) next summer.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas called it his “Steve Jobs moment” as the Saudi airline unveiled its list of planned digital features.
Diriyah Gate, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest and costliest projects, has been funded so far by the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, PIF. But Diriyah Gate Development Authority group CEO Jerry Inzerillo is confident at least half of its $64 billion budget will ultimately be covered by foreign investors.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) final rule on automatic airline refunds went into effect on Monday, which is a big win for travelers but a change that could produce quite a bit of confusion.
Few things are as important as time. You don’t want to waste it, especially at the airport.
A getaway to warmer weather just got easier and cheaper.Avelo Airlines recently announced four new routes from the Orlando, FL area, and is celebrating with $46 fares. With the expansion of new routes, Avelo will be opening a new crew base at Lakeland International Airport, which is one hour and 15 minutes south of Orlando Airport, and one hour east of Tampa Airport, making it an alternative option for passengers visiting each of the two major Florida cities. From Lakeland, Avelo will launch service to Rochester, NY, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Concord, NC (which is near Charlotte, NC) and Manchester, NH (which is near Boston, MA). The low-cost carrier operates its flights from regional airports that are adjacent to major cities, which explains the Manchester and Concord airport options. Each new route will operate twice weekly, and Avelo states they are the only airline to operate direct service between each of the markets.
Aircraft manufacturer Natilus wants to build a new type of airliner to rival Airbus and Boeing as the industry demands more efficient planes.
The Department of Justice announced Thursday that it would launch a “broad public inquiry” into the state of competition in air travel — the government’s second inquiry into the airline industry in just the past two months.
Spirit Airlines said Thursday that it entered a commitment to sell 23 Airbus A320s and A321s in a deal valued at approximately $519 million as it looks for ways to shore up its liquidity.
The Biden administration is launching a wide-ranging probe into the state of air travel in the U.S.
The world’s largest hotel franchisor is seeing resilient demand for leisure and business travel despite economic uncertainty — even at the budget end of the market. Wyndham’s third-quarter results highlighted the benefits of having a heavy mix of hotels and resorts in the economy and midscale segments.
Over the past decade, Louis Vuitton has been gradually expanding its reach far beyond fashion. Since the launch of Fondation Louis Vuitton in 2014, the brand has firmly established itself as a major player in the art world, with biannual exhibitions and collaborations with top artists like Yayoi Kusama. In appointing Pharrell Williams as creative director in 2023, Louis Vuitton tapped further into the zeitgeist, refreshing the brand's image and broadening both its appeal and its dedication to cultural excellence.