Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air is the new national air carrier in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is considered the latest Saudi aviation company, meeting international standards. It was established by the Public Investment Fund and is headquartered in Riyadh City. It was announced by Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on March 12, 2023. It aims to develop the aviation sector and enhance the Kingdom's strategic position connecting three of the world's most important continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. It works towards increasing the competitiveness of national companies in line with the targets of Saudi Vision 2030.

Riyadh Air drew inspiration for its identity from the colors of lavender flowers scattered across the Kingdom, where this color has become a symbol of generosity and welcoming to official visitors and tourists. The company's logo was chosen to be a representation of an airplane window, signifying that Riyadh Air is the 'window of the Kingdom overlooking the world and connecting all countries to the Kingdom.' In its logo, the company chose the wings of a bird to symbolize soaring into the future with the wings of innovation and brilliance. The company also focused on incorporating Arabic calligraphy, which is one of the most prominent pillars of Arab civilization.

On June 12, 2023, the company unveiled the exterior design of its Boeing (787-9) Dreamliner and the first category of the external design for its aircraft fleet. The identity unveiling ceremony took place at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh City in the presence of several dignitaries. The aircraft soared at a low altitude in the skies of the capital, Riyadh, passing over prominent landmarks, such as the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the Boulevard, and some towers located in the city center.

On November 13, 2023, 'Riyadh Air,' during its first participation in the Dubai Airshow 2023, unveiled the second category of exterior design for its aircraft fleet, showcasing a unique presence with two categories of aircraft exterior designs.

The design of the second category incorporates the colors of lavender and indigo near the rear section of the aircraft's fuselage. Additionally, the inscription 'Riyadh Air' is featured in both Arabic and English languages. The aircraft's fuselage, tail, and engines will highlight the Riyadh Air brand logo.

Riyadh Air aims to transport 330 million passengers by 2030 by adopting the latest digital technology standards in air transport services. Leveraging the Kingdom's prominent location, which serves as a vital hub for commerce and a global point of connection and communication, the company aspires to contribute to showcasing the Kingdom as a global tourist destination.

The company aims to lead in the aviation sector and enhance the principle of innovation. It also supports the national tourism strategy, which aims to attract one hundred million visitors annually by 2030 and increase the tourism sector's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by more than 10 percent. The company has announced that by 2030, its flights will reach more than one hundred destinations worldwide. Additionally, it plans to provide over two hundred thousand direct and indirect job opportunities, contributing to the growth of the GDP.

On March 14, 2023, Riyadh Air signed an agreement to purchase seventy-two aircraft of the 'Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.' This marked the first order for its aircraft fleet. The agreement included thirty-nine confirmed aircraft, with the option to purchase an additional thirty-three wide-body aircraft.

On June 21, 2023, Riyadh Air announced a purchase agreement for ninety GEnx-1B engines from GE Aerospace to power its new fleet as part of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft purchase agreement. The agreement also includes the provision of spare engines and TrueChoice maintenance services. The partnership with GE Aerospace marks the first for the 'Riyadh Air' fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The delivery of the first wide-body aircraft is scheduled to take place in early 2025.

Riyadh Air has signed an agreement with Colleges of Excellence to qualify national cadres in the aviation sector. The agreement includes the qualification of the first female cohort in aircraft maintenance engineering, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the field of aircraft maintenance engineering.

Additionally, the company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Prince Sultan University, which includes the establishment of the first aircraft simulation center. This agreement also involves the construction of prominent facilities that simulate global standards in the aviation sector, providing training for pilots to join the company upon graduation.

In 2023, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, announced the establishment of the Public Investment Fund for Riyadh Air. This positions Riyadh City as a central hub for its operational activities and a launching point for its flights. Through the deals it has made, the company aims to own a sophisticated fleet of aircraft equipped with the latest technologies and internationally accredited safety standards.

The announcement of the establishment of the company aligns with the strategy of the Public Investment Fund, which emphasizes enhancing the domestic aviation system and increasing competitiveness among national airlines. This objective is in line with Saudi Vision 2030, and it is expected to invigorate the aviation market, bringing substantial benefits to its users.

The Public Investment Fund owns this company entirely, positioning it among the expected frontrunners in its industry. Coupled with its investment and development expertise, the fund's ownership enables the company to undergo rapid growth, expand its operational capabilities, and stay abreast of global technological advancements.

Riyadh Air is expected to contribute to the non-oil GDP growth of the Kingdom, with an estimated value of up to SAR75 billion. The company, along with King Salman International Airport, represents the latest projects of the Public Investment Fund in the aviation sector.