Saudi Arabia Launches New Flag Carrier, Riyadh Air | Aviation International News

Saudi Arabia Launches New Flag Carrier, Riyadh Air

Principals expect Riyadh Air to fly to 100 destinations by 2030, create 200,000 jobs, and add $20 billion to Saudi Arabia's GDP.

Former Etihad Airways CEO and Riyadh Air's newly minted chief executive Tony Douglas (left) and Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stan Deal appear at the 2019 Dubai Airshow to announce plans for the Etihad 'Greenliner,' at the time the latest Boeing ecoDemonstrator. (Photo: David McIntosh)

By Peter Shaw-Smith • Contributor - Middle East

March 13, 2023

Saudi Arabia has launched a new flag carrier called Riyadh Air, ending months of speculation about when the open secret would finally obtain an official rubber stamp.

“The new national carrier will leverage Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location between the three continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe, enabling Riyadh to become a gateway to the world and a global destination for transportation, trade, and tourism,” a statement carried by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 website said. “Riyadh Air aims to enhance customers’ journey while connecting them to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030 through offering an exceptional experience with authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart.”

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