The purchase of ocean liners is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to develop tourism and transform the country into a major transportation hub, writes the Wall Street Journal. As part of long-term plans to modernize the aviation industry, the country’s investment fund has invested around $30 billion in various developments. So, last fall, a new air carrier RIA appeared. Plans to launch planes in 2022 have not materialized. The company is expected to begin flights in the coming days.
Saudi Arabia was already in talks to order nearly 40 A350s from Airbus, with Boeing also seeking to secure a stake in the country’s transport expansion. RIA is expected to purchase mainly Boeing 787s and 777s. The new airline will allow the country to add 50 new destinations to international routes in addition to the 100 operated by Saudia. RIA will operate from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
