As someone who has been in the “I’m kind of obsessed with planes and trying different airlines” phase for only a decade, I haven’t really had an opportunity to be hyped for a NEW airline.
There have been new PRODUCTS such as the ANA First Class Suite, the Etihad Residence, and the Emirates Game Changer.
New ROUTES such as NYC to Singapore, the longest flight in the world.
But I’ve never really experienced the “new AIRLINE”, like what’s coming with Riyadh Air…and it’s pretty exciting. It’s also really exciting that it will give more people the chance to see the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with their own eyes (and not just what they “hear”).
Table of Contents
The History Of Riyadh Air
In March 2023, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formally announced Riyadh Air. Two days later, they ordered almost 40 Boeing 787’s…with an agreement to buy more. Just a casual few billion dollars, nothing crazy.
A year later they ordered over 50 Airbus A321’s. And a year after that they ordered 25 Airbus A350’s. It’s clear that Saudi Arabia “gets things done”.
The company is owned by the iconic Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), to in which I’d need an entire blog to cover all of those investments/projects.
Riyadh Air will obviously fly out of Riyadh, while Saudia continues to have a hub in Jeddah. I have never flown with Saudia unfortunately, but hope to also try them one day. On my trip to Jeddah I used Qatar Airways, which i absolutely love.
The middle eastern carriers are some of the best in the world and put western carriers to shame in my opinion. The competition is very fierce, and that’s why I’m excited to see Riyadh Air launch.
This operation will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and contribute to making Saudi Arabia’s GDP less oil-centric. For official news, check out Riyadh Air’s media hub.
Destinations
Riyadh Air hopes to reach 100 destinations by 2030, which aligns with their “Vision 2030”. I have a theory that they will accomplish this vision and Saudi Arabia will become a tourist hotspot.
The first two destinations will be London and Dubai, which makes sense. I am quite curious where else they will fly, especially in the USA
I mean the Bangkok’s, Tokyo’s, and NYC’s are a lock, but what other major cities will we see? Time will tell.
Branding
The Logo
Incredible job by the branding team. The lavender/purple looks great on the livery, as well as the “R”. The Riyadh Air logo incorporates a plane window and the “R” that looks like a bird. I have to imagine it fit’s in with a “see the world through Saudi Arabia” type catchphrase.
The Sounds
Not just the logo, but it seems if they are going all out with the small details. In collaboration with the Saudi National Orchestra, they have recorded The Sounds of Riyadh Air at the infamous Abbey Road Studios. Every detail has top notch focus.
Fashion
Inspired by the 1950’s, the cabin crew clothing line has already won international awards…and they havn’t even flown yet.
Desiged by Mohammed Ashi, one of the top fashion designs from the Gulf region.
Will Riyadh Air Serve Alcohol?
No, they will follow traditional Saudi rules and traditions. Riyadh Air will be a dry Arline. It’s an interesting subject, because alcohol is surprisingly “part of the value” for modern day business class experiences amongst leaders.
If there’s no $1,000 whiskey or $300 champagne, how will Riyadh Air provide any other value to make up for the “norm”?
I know how…SERVE AL BAIK ON THE FLIGHT. If you are reading this and you work for Riyadh Air…make this happen.
If you are unfamilar, Al Baik is the iconic fast food of Saudi Arabia. You can check out my review here.
Will it be cheaper? We don’t know yet, so it’s exciting lore to uncover. Sure, the champagne is always nice, but I have no issue with it. Saudi coffee will keep me awake for 13 hours to watch all the Harry Potter movies anyway.
Riyadh Air Partners
Having partners is very crucial to an airline’s success. Riyadh Air has already created a vast network of partners and code share agreements.
- Saudia
- Air China
- Singapore Airlines
- China Eastern
- Delta
- Egypt Air
- Turkish Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Air France/KLM
I personally will not be using any Delta Sky-Pesos, but Air France is looking like a very good points redemption for Riyadh Air *eyes emoji*.
Is Riyadh Air A Premium Airline?
Yes, Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia’s new premium airline in hopes to join the other giants.
The real question is, will they become a giant or stay more niche? For example, Oman Air is fantastic. I had a great experience testing out their first class and economy products…(and the country in general). But Oman Air is less “known” to the masses, despite being great. They just don’t have the traffic and scale to be a global hub, such as Qatar and the UAE.
Saudi Arabia definitely has the drive and resources to make it happen. Watching how Riyadh Air unfolds is very exciting for the air travel world.
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