DELHI- The upcoming Saudi Arabian carrier, Riyadh Air (RX), which is planning to start its operations in 2025, is looking for partnerships with Indian carriers such as Air India (AI) and IndiGo Airlines (6E).
Both IndiGo and the Air India Group are the largest carriers with a combined fleet of 700+ aircraft. Riyadh Air partnerships with both or one of these carriers will help it enhance its presence in the fastest growing aviation market in the world significantly.
Photo: Riyadh AirRiyadh Air India Partnerships
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas emphasized on Wednesday that the Indian subcontinent represents a “super important” market for the airline. Douglas confirmed ongoing discussions with Boeing and Airbus regarding the acquisition of additional wide-body aircraft, specifically Boeing 777Xs and A350-1000s.
The carrier’s initial fleet will consist of 60 narrow-body A321 neos and 72 wide-body B787-9 Dreamliners. Riyadh Air aims to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 global destinations by 2030.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalIndia’s aviation market continues to demonstrate significant growth globally. Last year, approximately 1.5 million Indian tourists visited Saudi Arabia, with numbers showing an upward trend.
Riyadh Air’s expansion strategy involves operating both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft to efficiently serve its passenger base. In 2024, Riyadh Air formed a partnership with Delta Air Lines (DL) to provide flight services between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh Air and Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, placed a significant order with Boeing in March last year, purchasing 78 aircraft with options for 43 additional planes.
Photo: Riyadh AirThree Pillar Strategy
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas has revealed the airline’s distinctive three-pillar strategy positioning the Saudi carrier in the competitive global aviation landscape.
The first pillar focuses on “obsessional attention to detail with guest experience,” establishing customer service excellence as a fundamental differentiator for the airline.
Environmental sustainability constitutes the second pillar, with Riyadh Air positioning itself as a “thought leader” in aviation sustainability practices.
The third pillar capitalizes on Saudi Arabia’s unique demographic advantage as a “true digital native” market. “We’ve got a populace here where the average age is below 30. It’s got the highest iOS usage per capita in the world. It hasn’t evolved the same way in commercial aviation,” Douglas explained.
Riyadh Air’s digital approach draws inspiration from successful technology platforms. “Think more in common with Uber, think more in common with how Amazon or Noon.com works…It goes into the shopping basket,” Douglas detailed, highlighting the airline’s modern booking system.
The airline achieved a milestone with its groundbreaking debut at Paris Fashion Week, marking the first appearance by an airline at the prestigious event. Douglas emphasized this distinction: “We’re talking about full service, refined, high-quality brands because it’s the Kingdom’s new carrier.”
Douglas directed attention to the airline’s visual presentation: “I would encourage anybody, to go online and Google on Mr Internet, Riyadh in-cabin fashion, glamour, beauty, refinement.”
The absence of legacy systems enables Riyadh Air to implement innovative solutions from scratch. Douglas emphasized the airline’s focus on mobile-first functionality: “It makes it easier for people who are familiar with that phone that you’ve got in your hand.”
Photo: Riyadh AirVision 2030
The establishment of Riyadh Air forms a key component of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy beyond oil dependence, positioning the kingdom as a global aviation hub. This initiative directly supports Vision 2030, the national framework designed to expand key industries and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Saudi Arabia aims to attract 100 million annual visitors by 2030 through Riyadh Air’s launch, strengthening its tourism sector and enhancing its position in global air travel markets.
The kingdom continues investing across multiple sectors including tourism, entertainment, technology, and renewable energy. Major development projects such as Neom City, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya target increased visitor numbers and business opportunities.
Saudi Arabia simultaneously develops new infrastructure including railways, ports, and urban centers to improve trade and transportation networks.
The government has implemented business-friendly reforms to attract foreign investment, including provisions for full foreign ownership across numerous sectors. Additionally, the country invests in clean energy technologies like solar and wind power to decrease oil dependence.
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