CEO Interview: Riyadh Air's Fleet Plans for 2025

DALLAS — Airways had the chance to interview Riyadh Air's (RX) CEO Tony Douglas, who confirmed the airline will still fly in 2025 and the addition of twin-aisle wide-body aircraft.

There have been several rumors of a third sizeable aircraft order for large wide-bodies. What is the state of talks with manufacturers? Is the rumor that Riyadh Air aims to add up to 50 more wide-bodies confirmed? 

We’ve been hugely encouraged by the interest from across the aviation ecosystem. We can confirm that we have released an RFP for an ultra-widebody aircraft that will accommodate up to 300 passengers per flight. 

Follow-up question: With large orders for Boeing and Airbus, is Riyadh Air currently seeking capacity or range in terms of large widebodies?

Riyadh Air will begin operations in 2025 and connect the capital city of Saudi Arabia to more than 100 destinations by 2030.  With multi-billion dollar deals for orders of 132 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, Riyadh Air’s ‘Year of Take Off’ is underway, along with the recent arrival of Riyadh Air’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. T

he leased aircraft is separate from the original Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner order of 72 aircraft and will be utilized over the coming months for training and certification purposes. 

“The brand is Riyadh, the brand is Riyadh, the brand is Riyadh”. For many attending Routes World 2024, your words were a crucial takeaway message. What more must be done with the local airport authorities and government to ensure a steady flow of tourists?

I am delighted to hear that the message was received loud and clear because it is vital. The brand is Riyadh, and Riyadh is at the heart of the brand. Riyadh is our home, and we will connect Riyadh with the world and the world with Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia’s capital is a thriving cultural and economic hub, offering an entry point to the Kingdom’s fascinating history and stunningly beautiful natural wonders. As part of its global-leading ambitions, Riyadh is preparing to host major international events, such as Expo 2030, alongside numerous sports tournaments, including being the primary city host for the FIFA World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia. 

With this in mind, 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. In addition, Riyadh Air will cater to the Kingdom’s ever-growing tourism sector, diversify the economy, and create over 200,000 jobs, the latter of which is vital in boosting tourism capacity and capabilities in Saudi Arabia. We are constantly working with local airport authorities and the government to ensure a steady flow of tourists and to meet our ambitions. 

Many airlines in the region are considering a stopover program. Will Riyadh Air add one from day one to promote tourism further?

We are not in a position to discuss specific plans at this juncture, but all travelers should be assured that Riyadh Air will work with relevant entities in Saudi Arabia to ensure that the Kingdom’s aspirations are fully fulfilled. 

Will the MoU with Saudia allow passengers to connect, similarly to the benchmark set by Emirates and flydubai in the region? 

Saudia and Riyadh Air will collaborate on codeshares with guests enjoying various benefits, including mutually beneficial loyalty programs. Along with strengthening the broader Saudi aviation ecosystem, the collaboration is intended to offer a comprehensive range of benefits for guests traveling globally to and from Saudi Arabia and those traveling domestically within the Kingdom. 

As part of the agreement, guests of both carriers will be able to fully take advantage of each airline’s worldwide network through a comprehensive interline and codeshare agreement that will allow guests to connect seamlessly between sectors operated by Saudia or Riyadh Air.

Recently, Riyadh Air welcomed its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Are there any plans for Riyadh Air to fly the new ambassador in the upcoming months worldwide to promote its brand, and will we see the new livery at the Paris Airshow?

Riyadh Air’s ‘Year of Take Off’ recently commenced with the arrival of Riyadh Air’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The leased aircraft is separate from the original Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner order of 72 aircraft and the 60 single-models of A321neo from Airbus. 

The aircraft will be utilized over the coming months for training and certification as Riyadh Air continues with the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation before operating as Riyadh Air’s technical spare, allowing operations to commence later in 2025. 

During the Dubai Airshow 2023, Riyadh Air boldly revealed the second of its permanent dual-livery designs.

With regard to livery, our existing livery is Riyadh Air’s indigo theme, with striking lines inspired by the twisting canopies of traditional Bedouin tents and elegant curves of Arabic calligraphy. The bold look features a sweeping cockpit window design, with the indigo signature theme contrasted beautifully against a light, unique, iridescent fuselage that reflects purity and the future-focused vision of Saudi Arabia. 

With a vision to shape the future of air travel, Riyadh Air unveiled its first livery at the Paris Airshow in June 2023. The super-sophisticated second livery sees Riyadh Air aircraft adorned in a lavender and indigo paint featuring a feather-like design near the rear of the fuselage, and ‘Riyadh Air’ written in English and Arabic and the airline’s trademark logo on the tail, engines, and aircraft underbelly.

The second livery reflects Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking ambitions using iridescent color to add a modern twist to the innovative design, which, along with intricate, bold text, makes Riyadh Air instantly recognizable, whether on the ground or in the skies. 

What is the ongoing situation with delivery delays, and is the first revenue flight still confirmed to occur before the end of the year? 

Riyadh Air aims to become the world’s most forward-thinking carrier, embracing the best sustainability practices, elevating air travel, and setting a new standard for reliability, comfort, and hospitality. Riyadh Air is a catalyst for the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, playing a key role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s wider economic diversification and job creation.

Riyadh Air remains on track for launch in 2025 despite industry challenges and is looking forward to its first flight. The arrival of the first Boeing 787-9 will allow operations to commence as soon as possible, and we remain in close contact with our colleagues at Boeing, aiming to receive delivery of several aircraft later this year. 

Major parts of the first aircraft are already prepared for final assembly. Given well-known global supply chain challenges, we expect delivery to start in the third quarter, facilitating the start of operations soon after.

Routes World 2025 will take place in Hong Kong from 24 – 26 September 2025. View all our other upcoming route development events.

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