MIAMI — Riyadh Air will take to the skies by the end of 2025, CEO Tony Douglas confirmed on Thursday at the FII Priority Summit in Miami. "It's all about the build-up now to going live, and by the end of this year, you will see Riyadh Air in the skies," Douglas said, emphasizing the airline's readiness to serve travelers in the Kingdom and beyond. Since its inception, Riyadh Air has made strategic moves to establish itself as a premium global airline. The company has already signed major partnerships, including becoming the global airline partner of LIV Golf and bringing global music star Jameela to Saudi Arabia for the first time. Douglas underscored Riyadh Air's commitment to attention to detail, particularly in the passenger experience, drawing comparisons to the elegance and refinement once associated with iconic airlines such as TWA and Pan Am. "Our incredible cabin crew will embody haute couture, glamour, refinement, and style," he said. A key differentiator for Riyadh Air will be its digital-first approach. Douglas outlined a vision for a seamless travel experience powered by artificial intelligence and personalized services. The airline's upcoming digital concierge service aims to offer more than just ticket booking, integrating entertainment, fine dining, and other travel enhancements into a single platform. "The power of digital is exactly that," Douglas said. "You say you want to fly to Riyadh, and the concierge app will suggest sporting events, fine dining experiences, and more—similar to Amazon, Uber, and Airbnb, making the process effortless." Douglas also highlighted the airline's strategy to tap into an underserved market in Saudi Arabia. "We're not trying to build a market that doesn't exist. The market is there, and it is currently underserved—that is totally unsatisfactory," he said, adding that Riyadh Air aims to enhance connectivity and tourism to the Kingdom. Strategic partnerships will play a crucial role in Riyadh Air's expansion. The airline has secured agreements with major carriers like Delta Air Lines and Singapore Airlines, enabling seamless connections to destinations beyond its initial routes. "With Delta, for example, a passenger flying from Riyadh can easily connect to Phoenix or Baltimore via Atlanta or JFK," Douglas explained. Regarding fleet expansion, Douglas confirmed that Riyadh Air has firm orders for 72 Boeing 787s and 60 Airbus A321neos. The airline is also engaged in discussions for an additional widebody aircraft order. Despite industry-wide supply chain challenges, Douglas expressed confidence in manufacturers. "Boeing will come good, there is no question," he stated. While Douglas did not disclose Riyadh Air's inaugural route, he hinted at ambitious global connectivity plans. "We are looking at 100 international cities by 2030," he said, acknowledging Miami as a potential addition to the airline's network. Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as a sought-after travel destination, with Douglas noting that the Kingdom was the second most-searched tourism destination on Google last year. He encouraged travelers to explore attractions like AlUla, Diriyah, and the transformation underway in Riyadh, emphasizing that Riyadh Air will play a crucial role in unlocking access to these destinations. As the airline prepares for launch, Douglas affirmed that Riyadh Air will redefine air travel by leveraging technology and innovation while embracing the heritage and aspirations of Saudi Arabia. "It's all about guest experience," he concluded.
