Riyadh Air, the new airline of Saudi Arabia, has been a subject of speculation since it was presented in March 2023. The Financial Times has recently published some details about the airline's strategy, quoting its CEO, Tony Douglas. According to the report, Riyadh Air will focus on traffic to and from Saudi Arabia, rather than compete head-on with other major airlines in the region such as Qatar Airways and Emirates.
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This focus on Saudi Arabia is consistent with the country's plans to become a major international tourist destination. As part of its "2030 Vision" economic development strategy, Saudi Arabia is planning to invest over US$ 100 billion in tourism development projects and aims to attract 100 million annual visitors by the end of the decade. To achieve this goal, the country has initiated numerous initiatives, including airport construction and expansion, and the development of seaside resorts and futuristic new cities.
Riyadh Air's CEO also confirmed that the airline is interested in building a narrow-body fleet that will enable it to serve up to 100 destinations by 2030. The airline is said to be looking for at least 150 narrow-body aircraft, with the Boeing 737 MAX reportedly being the favorite contender. These figures are only a small portion of a projected fleet that could reach 300 to 400 aircraft.
The launch of Riyadh Air is part of Saudi Arabia's strategy to boost its tourism industry and make it one of the world's most popular destinations. It is aiming to attract 100 million visitors a year by 2030. The airline is expected to add $20 billion to Saudi's non-oil growth and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. In conclusion, Riyadh Air's strategy is focused on serving traffic to and from Saudi Arabia and supporting the country's ambitious plans to become a major international tourist destination. With its aggressive growth plan and modern fleet, Riyadh Air is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of air travel in the region.