Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s next-generation airline, has stepped in for Boeing aircraft that have been left undelivered due to the escalating US-China trade war. CEO Tony Douglas announced that the company is ready to purchase these planes.
Speaking to Reuters during the Arabian Travel Market conference, Douglas said, “We have made it very clear to Boeing that, should such an opportunity arise, we would be delighted to take them all.”
Following fresh criticism of China by the US President, Boeing is preparing to repatriate aircraft not delivered to Chinese airlines and offer them to other customers. Boeing stated last week that there is strong demand for these planes in the currently constrained jet market.
Major Expansion Plans from Riyadh Air
Supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air is building its fleet with both Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Last year, the company placed an order for up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and also made a significant investment in the narrow-body segment with an order for 60 Airbus A321neo jets.
Douglas mentioned that Riyadh Air plans to announce additional wide-body aircraft orders this summer. The airline aims to launch its first flights in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Ahead of commencing operations, Riyadh Air is also expanding its workforce. The company has so far grown to 500 employees and plans to reach 1,000 within the next 9–12 months. Pilot and cabin crew recruitment will ramp up gradually alongside aircraft deliveries.
A Strategic Move in the Global Travel Industry
Saudi Arabia places great importance on Riyadh Air as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to increase non-oil revenue sources. The country also seeks to establish a strong presence on short but high-yield routes such as Dubai–Riyadh.
Douglas highlighted that the Dubai–Riyadh flights are “one of the most profitable routes in the world in terms of revenue per kilometre.”
Close Attention to Regional Developments
CEO Douglas described the resumption of flights from the United Arab Emirates to Syria as a “positive sign.” The reopening of Syrian airspace is seen as a significant development for the normalisation of travel and trade across the region.
