Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas has confirmed the airline will begin operations by the end of 2025, making the announcement at the FII Priority Summit in Miami on Thursday, Saudi Gazette reported.
“It’s all about the build-up now to going live, and by the end of this year, you will see Riyadh Air in the skies,” Douglas told attendees, outlining the carrier’s preparations to serve passengers in Saudi Arabia and internationally.
The airline has secured partnerships since its launch, becoming LIV Golf’s global airline partner and bringing singer Jameela to Saudi Arabia for her first performance.
Riyadh Air set for take-off in late 2025, says CEO
Douglas drew parallels between Riyadh Air’s service standards and TWA and Pan Am, stating, “Our incredible cabin crew will embody haute couture, glamour, refinement, and style.”
The carrier’s digital strategy centres on an AI-powered concierge service that will integrate travel bookings with entertainment and dining options.
“The power of digital is exactly that,” Douglas said adding “you say you want to fly to Riyadh, and the concierge app will suggest sporting events, fine dining experiences, and more—similar to Amazon, Uber, and Airbnb, making the process effortless.”
Douglas addressed market opportunities in Saudi Arabia, noting: “We’re not trying to build a market that doesn’t exist. The market is there, and it is currently underserved—that is totally unsatisfactory.”
The airline has established partnerships with Delta Air Lines and Singapore Airlines for connectivity. “With Delta, for example, a passenger flying from Riyadh can easily connect to Phoenix or Baltimore via Atlanta or JFK,” Douglas explained.
The fleet plan includes orders for 72 Boeing 787s and 60 Airbus A321neos, with discussions ongoing for additional widebody aircraft. On manufacturing delays, Douglas said: “Boeing will come good, there is no question.”
The airline targets connections to 100 international cities by 2030, with Miami under consideration.
Douglas noted Saudi Arabia’s position as the second most-searched tourism destination on Google last year, highlighting attractions including AlUla, Diriyah, and Riyadh.
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