Riyadh Air CEO, Tony Douglas, has recently made it clear that the airline will not be adding any more aircraft orders at the year’s Paris Air Show. This may come as quite a surprise, especially since rumors were rife about the airline nearing a narrowbody deal with either Airbus or Boeing. Nonetheless, Douglas has shifted the focus to enhancing the airline’s future network, rising competition, and improving passenger experience.
Eyeing Future Developments
As the industry has it, Riyadh Air is more likely to strike a deal with General Electric (GE) for engines to power the Dreamliners they’ve recently ordered. Despite the rumors, Riyadh Air has kept silent on the matter. GE, a known competitor to Britain’s Rolls-Royce for powering wide-body jets, also did not provide any immediate comments when requested.
Despite these decisions, Riyadh Air still holds ample time to place an order for its narrowbody aircraft, rumored to include over 150 jets. Currently, the airline has orders for 39 787-9s and -10s, with options for an additional 33. The aircraft bearing the livery at present is a demonstration unit and won’t be joining the airline’s fleet. Yet, aviation enthusiasts can still enjoy the breathtaking purple livery as Riyadh Air aims to make an impact on the Middle East market.
Airbus vs. Boeing
Douglas confirmed that Riyadh Air is continuing to pit Airbus and Boeing against each other in the narrowbody jets contest. This week, the airline plans to showcase a 787 adorned with the airline’s fresh indigo livery.
As for the details of the airline’s cabin product, Douglas did not reveal much except that it would be launched progressively. He emphasized the airline’s “obsessional” attention to detail, aided by systems designed to monitor passenger preferences more closely than typical airlines, following the trend of companies like Amazon or Spotify.
Launching Flights and Ensuring Compliance
Riyadh Air plans to initiate its flights in 2025, hoping to make a name for itself in a region known for its carriers’ stellar service levels. For example, Qatar Airways bagged the Skytrax airline of the year for the seventh consecutive year, and Emirates topped the Business Traveller Middle East awards for the tenth time last month.
Douglas asserts that it’s simpler to incorporate the latest digital customization from the get-go, rather than starting with legacy systems. In response to the question about Riyadh Air serving alcohol in its cabins considering Saudi Arabia’s strict drinking laws, Douglas affirmed that the airline would always adhere to the applicable laws.
Riyadh Air, under Tony Douglas’s leadership, is strategically maneuvering its way in the aviation industry. The airline’s thoughtful decisions display a promising future as it prioritizes passenger experience and abides by all laws. With the planned flight launch in 2025, it will be interesting to see how Riyadh Air fares amidst its established competitors in the Middle East.
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