His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has officially announced the launch of Riyadh Air, a new national carrier wholly owned by the PIF.
This strategic move is designed to elevate Saudi Arabia’s air transport sector and enhance the competitiveness of national airlines in line with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Riyadh Air is projected to contribute up to SAR 75 billion to the Kingdom’s non-oil GDP and generate over 200,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. Headquartered in the Saudi capital, the airline will position Riyadh as its operational hub and global gateway.
The new carrier aims to build a cutting-edge fleet of next-generation aircraft that adhere to the highest international standards of aviation safety, environmental sustainability, and digital innovation. Riyadh Air plans to operate flights to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a global logistics and tourism hub.
By offering increased air travel options and enhancing the overall passenger experience, the airline is set to play a vital role in opening Saudi Arabia’s diverse cultural, natural, and heritage destinations to the world. This launch is expected to support the rise in international and domestic tourism, as well as meet the growing demand for air freight and logistics services.
Riyadh Air joins a suite of strategic investments by the Public Investment Fund in the aviation and transportation sectors, including the development of King Salman International Airport. These investments aim to bolster the long-term financial sustainability of the Kingdom’s aviation ecosystem while strengthening its global competitiveness.
The establishment of Riyadh Air marks the beginning of a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward economic diversification and global connectivity—ushering in a bold new era for air travel in the region.
