A fresh era in aviation is emerging as "Riyadh Air," a world-class digitally-native airline, takes to the skies. On June 12th, at King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner adorned with a contemporary and eye-catching design was unveiled, marking a momentous national celebration for the fledgling carrier. The ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries and high-ranking officials.
The aircraft glided gracefully at low altitudes over several notable Riyadh landmarks, including KAFD, Boulevard City, and some iconic skyscrapers. This spectacle delighted the residents, providing them with a first glimpse of their new airline and evoking a sense of pride in the Kingdom's latest national carrier. On June 19th, the aircraft will make its public debut at the 54th Paris Air Show, showcasing Riyadh Air to a global audience for the first time.
This new airline is poised to revolutionize the travel experience worldwide, setting a new standard with cutting-edge technology and guest services that will shape the future of the travel industry. The brand identity of Riyadh Air is inspired by the modern and forward-thinking spirit of Saudi Arabia, drawing from the warmth and hospitality of the Kingdom and the vibrant lavender hues that carpet the desert in spring. This captivating livery is part of a series that aims to push the boundaries of aviation further, incorporating visual elements that pay homage to the Kingdom and the city, including sweeping Arabic script, accompanied by the global campaign tagline, "The Future Takes Flight."
Riyadh Air will establish connectivity between the capital city and more than 100 destinations worldwide, thanks to its strategic location, with over 60% of the world's population within an eight-hour flight radius. The airline is committed to fostering innovation in the travel sector while playing a pivotal role in realizing the Kingdom's National Transport and Logistics Strategy and National Tourism Strategy. This is achieved through the Kingdom's advantageous position, connecting the continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
At the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting, Riyadh Air unveiled its airline designator code, "RX," foreshadowing its commitment to offer seamless guest experiences through digital, innovative, and state-of-the-art technologies.
Riyadh Air aspires to welcome 100 million visitors to Saudi Arabia by 2030, encompassing tourists, business travelers, and attendees of major events across the Kingdom. The establishment of Riyadh Air aligns with PIF's strategy to unlock the potential of promising sectors, contributing to the diversification of the local economy by adding USD 20 billion to non-oil GDP growth and generating more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. This national airline represents PIF's latest investment in the aviation sector, complementing the recently unveiled King Salman International Airport masterplan and reinforcing the resilience of Saudi Arabia's aviation ecosystem while enhancing its global competitiveness in line with Vision 2030.
