Saudi Arabia’s new carrier, Riyadh Air (RX), is set to launch operations in 2025 and is actively seeking partnerships with leading Indian airlines, Air India (AI) and IndiGo Airlines (6E). This strategic move aims to strengthen Riyadh Air’s presence in the rapidly growing Indian aviation market, which has seen significant growth in recent years.
India remains one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, with over 1.5 million Indian tourists visiting Saudi Arabia last year. Riyadh Air’s CEO, Tony Douglas, highlighted the Indian subcontinent as a “super important” market, reflecting the airline’s focus on increasing connectivity between the two regions.
Douglas also confirmed that Riyadh Air is in talks with both Boeing and Airbus to expand its fleet, particularly considering the acquisition of Boeing 777X and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to support long-haul operations.
Riyadh Air will launch with a modern fleet comprising:
60 Airbus A321neos – to handle short and medium-haul routes.
72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners – for long-haul and intercontinental flights.
The airline aims to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 destinations globally by 2030, supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to become a global tourism and business hub.
Douglas outlined Riyadh Air’s core strategy based on three key pillars:
Customer Experience – Focusing on exceptional service and attention to detail.
Sustainability – Promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing the airline’s carbon footprint.
Digital Innovation – Leveraging Saudi Arabia’s young, tech-savvy population to create a seamless and modern booking experience.
Riyadh Air’s launch aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil dependence and establish the kingdom as a global aviation hub. Saudi Arabia plans to attract 100 million annual visitors by 2030, and Riyadh Air is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
By partnering with Air India and IndiGo, Riyadh Air could significantly enhance its market reach and improve connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia, making it a key player in the international aviation sector.
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