In a bold statement made at the Public Investment Fund Private Sector Forum, Tony Douglas, the CEO of Riyadh Air, vehemently criticized the current state of air travel connectivity from Saudi Arabia, particularly highlighting the absence of direct flights to several major global cities. His frustration was palpable as he repeatedly exclaimed, "Haram. Haram. Haram!" - a term in Islamic jurisprudence that denotes something forbidden or unacceptable, underscoring the severity of his critique.
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Douglas pointed out the glaring gap in Saudi Arabia's aviation network, which lacks direct flights to destinations like Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Sydney. He emphasized that this deficiency not only hampers the travel experience for Saudi citizens but also undermines the country's ambition to become a global aviation hub as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. The CEO's remarks were not just a critique but a promise of change, signaling Riyadh Air's commitment to rectifying this situation. The lack of direct connectivity means that Saudi travelers are forced to rely on foreign airlines for international travel, effectively boosting the economies of neighboring countries. Douglas highlighted that Saudi nationals form a significant portion of the premium passengers on airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates, with Saudi passport holders being the number one premium passengers for Qatar Airways in business and first class, and ranking third with Emirates. This situation, according to Douglas, is not only "haram" but also a strategic miss for Saudi Arabia, as it loses out on both revenue and the chance to showcase its national carrier.
The CEO's critique comes at a time when Riyadh Air is poised to launch, aiming to connect the world directly to Riyadh and vice versa. With plans to operate flights to over 100 destinations by 2030, Riyadh Air intends to not just fill the current void but to exceed expectations by establishing Riyadh as a pivotal global gateway. Douglas's vision includes a future where Saudi nationals travel directly from their home country to any major city around the globe, thus reducing dependency on foreign hubs and enhancing national pride through its own airline.
Riyadh Air, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, is preparing to introduce a fleet that includes both Airbus A321neo and Boeing 787 aircraft, ensuring that the airline can cater to both short and long-haul routes effectively. The strategy is clear: to provide a seamless, direct travel experience that aligns with the cultural and economic aspirations of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. This significant critique by Douglas sheds light on the broader implications of air travel logistics on national identity, economic strategy, and global perception. By using the term "haram" in this context, he not only captures attention but also frames the issue within a cultural context that resonates deeply with the local populace, urging for immediate and effective action. As Riyadh Air gears up for its launch, all eyes will be on how this new airline transforms Saudi Arabia's connectivity, potentially reshaping the Middle Eastern aviation landscape and fulfilling the promise of direct, world-class travel from the heart of the Kingdom.