Riyadh Air, a new Saudi Arabian carrier set to launch in 2025, is seeking partnerships with Indian airlines such as Air India and IndiGo to enhance its presence in the fast-growing Indian aviation market. The carrier plans to operate a fleet of 60 narrow-body A321 neos and 72 wide-body B787-9 Dreamliners, aiming to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 global destinations by 2030.
Riyadh Air’s CEO, Tony Douglas, emphasized the importance of the Indian subcontinent, stating that it represents a “super important” market for the airline. The carrier is also in discussions to acquire additional wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 777Xs and A350-1000s.
In addition to its expansion strategy, Riyadh Air has a unique three-pillar approach to differentiate itself in the competitive global aviation landscape. The first pillar focuses on exceptional customer service, the second on environmental sustainability, and the third on leveraging Saudi Arabia’s unique demographic advantage as a “true digital native” market.
The airline has already made a significant order with Boeing, purchasing 78 aircraft with options for 43 additional planes. It has also partnered with Delta Air Lines to offer flight services between the US and Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh Air’s vision for 2030 includes becoming a global aviation hub, supported by Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy. The kingdom aims to attract 100 million annual visitors by 2030, strengthening its tourism sector and position in global air travel markets. The country is investing in multiple sectors, including tourism, entertainment, technology, and renewable energy, and developing new infrastructure projects such as Neom City, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya.