Riyadh Air seeks partnerships with Air India and IndiGo for expansion

Riyadh Air (RX), Saudi Arabia’s upcoming airline set to launch operations in 2025, is exploring partnerships with Indian carriers Air India (AI) and IndiGo (6E). With a combined fleet of over 700 aircraft, these Indian airlines dominate the country’s aviation market. A partnership with either or both could significantly boost Riyadh Air’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation sectors.

India: A Key Market for Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas highlighted India as a crucial market for the airline. He confirmed ongoing talks with aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus to expand the airline’s fleet, potentially adding Boeing 777Xs and Airbus A350-1000s.

The airline plans to start operations with a fleet of 60 Airbus A321neo narrow-body jets and 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. By 2030, Riyadh Air aims to connect Saudi Arabia with over 100 global destinations.

India’s aviation sector continues to grow rapidly, with 1.5 million Indian tourists visiting Saudi Arabia last year. This number is expected to rise, making India a strategic focus for Riyadh Air’s expansion.

Riyadh Air’s Global Expansion Strategy

Riyadh Air follows a strategic plan to expand its network efficiently by operating both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft. The airline has already partnered with Delta Air Lines (DL) to enhance connectivity between the United States and Saudi Arabia. In March 2023, Riyadh Air and Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, placed a massive order with Boeing for 78 aircraft, with options for an additional 43 planes.

Riyadh Air’s Three-Pillar Strategy

CEO Tony Douglas outlined Riyadh Air’s competitive approach, built on three key pillars:

Exceptional Customer Experience – The airline prioritizes top-tier service and meticulous attention to passenger needs.

Sustainability Leadership – Riyadh Air is committed to adopting eco-friendly aviation practices.

Digital Innovation – With Saudi Arabia’s young, tech-savvy population, Riyadh Air embraces a digital-first approach, drawing inspiration from leading e-commerce and ride-sharing platforms.

Riyadh Air is also making a unique mark in branding, becoming the first airline to debut at Paris Fashion Week. Douglas emphasized its high-end, stylish image, encouraging people to explore Riyadh Air’s innovative approach online.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Riyadh Air plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national initiative to reduce oil dependency and position the kingdom as a global aviation hub. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to attract 100 million annual visitors, with Riyadh Air set to drive this growth by enhancing connectivity and supporting the tourism sector.

The kingdom continues investing in infrastructure, tourism, technology, and renewable energy. Major projects like Neom City, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya are designed to boost business and tourism. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is improving transportation networks, attracting foreign investment, and developing clean energy solutions.

With Riyadh Air’s ambitious plans and potential partnerships with Indian airlines, the airline is well on its way to becoming a key player in global aviation.