Riyadh Air: Saudi Arabia’s New Flag Carrier Set to Redefine Luxury Travel

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s brand-new flag carrier, is gearing up for its inaugural flight in mid-2025, boasting a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners equipped with state-of-the-art business class suites. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, announced the ambitious launch during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, heralding it as “the biggest startup this region’s seen in the last 40 years.”

Douglas, the former Etihad chief, is rapidly advancing the airline’s preparations, promising a grand reveal of crew uniforms in Paris later this year, inspired by the golden era of aviation but with a contemporary edge. “Think the TWA days – style, elegance, grace,” Douglas remarked.

Riyadh Air is poised to be a tech-savvy airline, with Douglas teasing the unveiling of “next-generation digital in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity solutions” that will integrate everyday technology into commercial aviation.

While Riyadh Air will feature luxurious business class, premium economy, and economy seating, Douglas has decided against a first-class cabin, focusing instead on modern, private business class suites similar to those he introduced at Etihad.

The airline’s first flights will depart from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, with Saudia, its state-owned counterpart, moving its hub to Jeddah. Riyadh Air, backed by a $50 billion investment from Saudi Arabia, plans to rapidly expand its network, particularly across Asia. Riyadh Air’s chief commercial officer, Vincent Coste, revealed an aggressive growth strategy: “We will be adding an average of two destinations every month over five years.”

An initial order of up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners has been placed, with 39 confirmed and options for 33 more. Douglas hinted at further orders to support the airline’s goal of connecting to over 100 destinations worldwide.

The airline’s first Boeing 787 showcases a striking purple livery, reflecting the native lavender of Saudi Arabia, symbolising the nation’s ceremonial heritage. The aircraft’s tail and engine feature a stylised ‘R’ logo, representing Riyadh Air’s mission to be “Saudi Arabia’s window to the world.”

A second “permanent dual livery” design incorporates a lighter iridescent white, maintaining the signature lavender and indigo elements, with a graceful transition near the rear of the fuselage.

Riyadh Air’s launch is a strategic move to bolster Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry, aiming to attract over 150 million visitors by 2030 and position the country as a leading global destination.