SAUDI ARABIA. The new premium international airline Riyadh Air, which will launch its maiden commercial flight next year, has announced an agreement to purchase 60 Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft.
The deal was signed today (30 October) at Future Investment Initiative (FII) 8th Edition Conference in the Saudi capital by Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas and Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer.
The agreement underlines the scale of Riyadh Air’s ambitions, brought into sharp focus last year with an order for up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes in a multi-billion dollar deal, unprecedented for a new carrier.
Riyadh Air noted the Airbus A321neo airliner is among the most sustainable and efficient in the industry and, combined with the original wide-body aircraft Boeing order, will ensure the optimal mix of aircraft to match the airline’s ambition to serve 100 destinations by 2030.
PIF Governor and Chairman of Riyadh Air His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan said: “We are pleased to embark on another key milestone in Riyadh Air’s journey with the carrier’s second major fleet order, this time in partnership with Airbus.
“This deal underlines the airline’s ambitious intentions in advance of next year’s launch as it builds a comprehensive international network and establishes Riyadh as a major strategic global aviation hub.”
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas commented: “This order will not only enable us to support economic growth in the aviation industry, it will also ensure Riyadh Air operates one of the most sustainable fleets in the industry and be instrumental in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its net-zero emissions goals.
“This deal strongly reinforces the positive economic impact of Saudi Arabia’s newest airline on both a global and local scale and helps facilitate the fast-growing local aviation ecosystem.”
Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer said: “We are proud to welcome Riyadh Air as a new Airbus customer and to be a part of its exciting journey. The latest-generation A321neo aircraft will bring exceptional efficiency to the airline’s operations and comfort to its passengers. We look forward to working together to support the incredible growth of Saudi aviation.”
Riyadh Air said it will equip its fleet with the latest and most advanced digital features, providing a guest experience that is best in class in terms of aircraft cabin interior design. The latest generation of entertainment and connectivity systems will also feature onboard.
The establishment of Riyadh Air aligns with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund’s strategy to unlock promising sectors locally to support economic diversification. The airline will provide tourists from around the world the opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural attractions and further establish Riyadh as a preeminent business hub to the world.
Riyadh Air noted it will also serve as a catalyst for the Saudi National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy by increasing air transport options, raising cargo capacity and, in turn, growing international passenger traffic. ✈