Three years after Saudi Arabia unveiled Riyadh Air as a centerpiece of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, the airline is preparing for commercial operations with a rapidly expanding fleet, ambitious route network, and a premium-focused passenger experience.
In an exclusive interview aboard one of Riyadh Air’s newly delivered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, CEO Tony Douglas outlined the carrier’s growth plans, revealing that the startup airline expects to serve 22 destinations by March 2027.
Among the first routes announced are London Heathrow, Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, and Madrid, with additional destinations—including several across the Indian subcontinent—to be unveiled in the coming months.
“We’re now planning to connect to 22 cities by March of next year,” Douglas said. “We’ll announce another six thereafter very shortly.”
The airline recently took delivery of its first three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and expects to receive three more by the end of June, followed by additional aircraft throughout the year. Riyadh Air also anticipates taking delivery of its first Airbus aircraft before the end of 2026.
Douglas acknowledged launching an airline amid heightened geopolitical tensions, including the Iran-U.S. conflict, but said aviation has consistently weathered global crises.
“I’ve been in the industry for over three decades and there’s always been challenges,” Douglas said, citing events ranging from volcanic eruptions and disease outbreaks to economic downturns. “The demand for air travel is relentless.”
Riyadh Air is positioning itself as a premium carrier with technology playing a central role in its strategy. Its aircraft feature Astra, a next-generation OLED inflight entertainment system that allows passengers to mirror content directly from personal smartphones and tablets. High-speed Wi-Fi is also standard across the fleet, enabling passengers to stream content or even participate in video meetings while flying.
Douglas also highlighted the airline’s premium economy cabin, which he believes will differentiate Riyadh Air from competitors by offering greater comfort at a price point between economy and business class.
While the airline has yet to release detailed fare pricing, Douglas said members of its loyalty program, Sfeer, will receive a “best offer guarantee,” complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and additional travel benefits.
Instead of joining one of the major global airline alliances, Riyadh Air has signed partnership agreements with 11 carriers, including Delta Air Lines and Singapore Airlines, to provide broader international connectivity.
Interest in the startup extends beyond travelers. According to Douglas, more than two million people representing 146 nationalities have applied to work for Riyadh Air over the past two-and-a-half years.
For Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Air represents more than the launch of another airline. It is a key component of the kingdom’s effort to establish itself as a global aviation hub, expand tourism, and reduce dependence on oil revenues as it reshapes its economy for the future.