Saudi Arabia’s latest national carrier, Riyadh Air, will operate under the designation code “RX,” the airline’s CEO Tony Douglas revealed on Sunday.
The announcement was made at the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 79th General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit held in Istanbul, Türkiye between 4 and 6 June.
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Ambitious plan
With a massive investment of $30 billion, Riyadh Air is set to become the centrepiece of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to revolutionise its aviation sector and establish a strong foothold as a leading global aviation hub.
Led by former Etihad Airways CEO Tony Douglas and chaired by Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air will launch operations by early 2025, connecting the kingdom’s capital to more than 100 destinations around the world by 2030.
Moreover, the carrier will leverage Saudi Arabia’s advantageous geographic location to provide a gateway to key tourist destinations worldwide, further enhancing the country’s international appeal and transforming the nation into a premier hub for aviation, transportation, and tourism.
Planned expansion
In March, the airline placed an order for 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with an option for 33 more, marking the fifth-largest order in the manufacturer’s history.
According to reports, Riyadh Air is currently engaged in talks with Boeing over another potential order of at least 150 737 Max aircraft.
If confirmed, the prospect order will allow the carrier to further bolster its fleet and accommodate its ambitious growth objectives.
