Aviation360 MEA

By 2030, it is planned to travel to more than 100 locations and generate more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Saudi Arabia will launch a new national airline, said Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the country’s head of state and chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). According to the Saudi News Agency, PIF will own Riyadh Air (SPA). Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of PIF, will serve as the new carrier’s chair. According to SPA, the airline’s senior management will have both Saudi and international experience.

Tony Douglas, who has over 40 years of expertise in the logistics, transportation, and aviation sectors, has been named CEO. Between January 2018 through October 2022, Douglas served as the airline’s CEO in the United Arab Emirates.

The airline will have its hub in the Saudi capital, capitalizing on the location of the nation to provide connectivity for travelers to over 100 locations by 2030. Riyadh Air is slated to become a “world-class airline,” and it is anticipated that it would boost non-oil GDP growth by $20 billion and generate more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The airline would make it possible for visitors from all over the world to enjoy Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural features. Through expanding air travel alternatives, enhancing cargo capacity, and ultimately increasing international passenger traffic, Riyadh Air will also act as a catalyst for the Saudi National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy.

The launch of Riyadh Air is a component of PIF’s plan to develop potential industries so they may support the diversification of the local economy. Additionally, it promotes the worldwide competitiveness of the Saudi aviation sector in line with Vision 2030.