Riyadh Air celebrated its first anniversary on March 12th, 2024. Their goal is to become operational with commercial flights by 2025.
People are excited because this new airline will connect Saudi Arabia to many places worldwide, such as Asia, Africa, and Europe. They plan to fly to more than 100 cities worldwide by 2030, which is a really big deal for Saudi Arabia.
What is Riyadh Air and Where Will it Go?
Riyadh Air is a new airline in the Middle East and the second national airline in Saudi Arabia, after Saudia. It’s owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and it’s part of a plan by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Tony Douglas, who used to run Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi, controls Riyadh Air.
In March, Riyadh Air said it’s buying 39 planes from Boeing, and they might get 33 more later on. This is one of the biggest plane orders ever.
The airline might also buy Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320 Neo planes, but they haven’t decided yet. That’s what Douglas said at a meeting last week.
Saudia Moves Over Making Space for Riyadh Air
But there’s another part to this story, too. Right now, the only airline based in Saudi Arabia is Saudia. But Saudia will move from Riyadh to Jeddah by 2030 to make room for Riyadh Air. This move shows that Saudi Arabia is thinking about the future and wants to make its airports better for everyone.
Tourism and Riyadh Air
Saudi Arabia wants to change its economy and make more money from tourism instead of just oil. By 2030, they hope tourism will bring in 10% of all the money they make. Riyadh Air is a big part of this plan.
They want to use new technology, keep everyone safe, and be good to the environment. So, when Riyadh Air starts flying in 2025, it’s not just about going on vacation – it’s about Saudi Arabia’s big dreams of taking flight.
The Bottom Line
As Riyadh Air prepares to start flying, it’s like Saudi Arabia is starting a new part of its airplane history. Riyadh Air is not just about going from one place to another; it shows Saudi Arabia wants to grow, try new things, and do well.Â
Riyadh Air has big plans to go to more places and be good at what it does. So, as we get closer to 2025, everyone is excited to see Riyadh Air take off for the first time. It’s the start of something great for flying in Saudi Arabia.
