CEO Interview: Riyadh Air Unveils Short-Term Goals

BAHRAIN — After Gulf Air’s (GF) Jeffrey Goh, it was Tony Douglas’ turn to introduce the latest from Riyadh Air (RX) at Routes World 2024. This global conference taking place in Bahrain this year, welcomes the worldwide leaders of airlines, alliances and airports to discuss new ways of partnering in the industry.

Riyadh Air may welcome up to 72 Boeing 787-9s in its fleet between firm orders and deliveries. A much-rumored narrowbody order of “equivalent size as the widebody fleet” will be announced as the airline continues its talks with its OEM partners.

The first narrowbody fleet is expected to be delivered within a year of beginning widebody operations. Riyadh Air has also announced that it is looking into “larger widebody options.” 

Mr. Douglas reaffirmed the airline’s new identity: “When Riyadh Air was established through world decree, it was almost a strategic question. Did we want to be the last airline that does it the conventional way? Or the first airline to do it in the new way? Of course, the correct answer was the second. We have been working tirelessly to take every opportunity to embody our brand, which is Riyadh.”

Mr. Douglas commented on the new airline’s pillars: “An obsessional attention to detail to the guest experience, being a true digital native, and being environmental sustainability.”

Riyadh Air's Routes and AOC

Regarding partnerships, Mr. Douglas told the audience that the airline will not be interested in serving “eight airports in Australia or three in New Zealand,” meaning it will rely on partners to cover the region. An announcement for one more Western European partner can be expected soon. 

Recently, Riyadh Air moved to its new headquarters and started its AOC, which Mr. Douglas expects to complete before the end of the year. Riyadh Air is ambitious to fly to over 100 destinations within its first five years of operation, promoting Riyadh as one of the new global capitals.

Mr. Douglas said the airline’s network will stretch as far east as Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai. Finally, regarding sustainable aviation fuel, Mr. Douglas said the airline is collaborating with Saudi Aramco on alternative fuel projects. 

Within the next five years, Riyadh Air expects to be a major player in the global aviation market, with a robust fleet and a network that connects Riyadh to key international hubs. The airline will focus on providing point-to-point connectivity, particularly for business and leisure travelers seeking direct routes from Riyadh.

The Routes World 2024 event in Bahrain is set to deliver in-depth insights and the latest developments in the commercial aviation industry. Stay connected with Airways Magazine for live updates from the conference, featuring coverage by our Managing Editor, Simone Chellini.