Riyadh Air To Hold Talks With IndiGo, Air India Ahead Of Launch This Year
Saudi Arabia has created Riyadh Air as part of its strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil and position itself as a global aviation hub.
Riyadh Air is set to engage with regulatory authorities of India as it gears up to begin operations this year. The Saudi Arabian carrier also plans to tie-up with Indian airlines to bolster its market presence.
A delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas is in the country to hold talks with IndiGo and Air India for possible partnerships. During his two-day visit, the CEO is also scheduled to meet officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for requisite permissions ahead of its launch.
"India has long been a crucial part of Riyadh Air's network planning," Douglas said. The number of Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia rose 50% in 2023 to more than 15 lakh, he said, adding that the region aims to welcome 75 lakh visitors from India per annum by the close of the decade.
The startup carrier has ordered 60 narrow-body A321 neos and 72 wide-body B787-9 Dreamliners. The upcoming full-service airline is also currently in talks with both Boeing and Airbus to add extra wide-body planes, such as B777Xs and A350-1000s, to its fleet as it aims to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 global destinations by 2030.
Saudi Arabia has created Riyadh Air as part of its strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil and position itself as a global aviation hub.
"Beyond connecting people, fostering economic growth, and diversifying the Saudi Arabian and Indian tourism sectors, Riyadh Air's network will help develop even stronger bonds between the two great countries," the CEO said, adding that "Riyadh Air is set to fly to more than 100 destinations by 2030, increase Saudi Arabia's non-oil GDP growth by $20 billion, and directly and indirectly create more than 2 lakh jobs globally and locally."
