BAHRAIN- Riyadh Air (RX), a Saudi Arabian startup airline, is making significant progress towards its launch. The company’s CEO, Tony Douglas, announced at Routes World 2024 in Bahrain that the airline is nearing completion of its air operator certificate (AOC) process.
Douglas stated, “We’re into route-proving flights at the moment. We’ll have an AOC by the end of the year.”
Riyadh Air AOC, Destinations, Order
The airline has placed a firm order for 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with options for an additional 33. These widebody jets will serve as Riyadh Air’s initial fleet, operating long-haul routes and connecting to regional destinations through Riyadh. This strategy aims to maximize aircraft utilization, making slot timing crucial for airports seeking to secure Riyadh Air services.
Douglas revealed plans for a narrowbody aircraft order of comparable size, which he expects to announce soon. This move will enable Riyadh Air to commence narrowbody operations within a year of its initial launch. Furthermore, airline has initiated an order campaign for larger widebody aircraft.
The CEO acknowledged the persistent challenge of delivery delays, noting that Riyadh Air has already revised its plans three times. Despite these obstacles, the airline maintains ambitious growth targets, aiming to serve 100 destinations within five years of operations.
Digital First Approach
Riyadh Air plans to unveil its innovative booking platform between October 28-30. CEO Tony Douglas announced that the system will be “biometric-led,” utilizing facial recognition technology for various customer interactions, including flight bookings and loyalty program management.
Douglas characterized Riyadh Air as a “digitally-led business that enables travel,” comparing the new platform to Amazon’s user experience.
The airline’s advanced technological approach has created integration challenges with partner airlines Delta Air Lines (DL), Singapore Airlines (SQ), and Turkish Airlines (TK). Douglas explained, “A lot of the work we’ve been doing is like ‘Google Translate’ to other systems.”
While Riyadh Air does not intend to join a global alliance, it recognizes partnerships as “essential” to its strategy. The airline aims to secure one additional western European partner and another on the Indian subcontinent. Douglas stated, “After that, I would say we’re pretty much done.”
The startup airline will release its initial network plans in early 2025, revealing the first major connecting cities. Douglas hinted, “Quite frankly, I don’t think there will be any surprises,” suggesting the routes may align with industry expectations.
Riyadh Air Careers
Saudia Arabian carrier, Riyadh Air is hiring actively to make a timely launch next year. The airline is hiring Pilots, Cabin Crew (Flight Attendant), Engineering personnel, Customer and Guest Experience staff, Digital and Innovation professionals, and other corporate people.
As of October 9, 2024, Riyadh Air has live openings for First Officer and Captain. You can find all the requirements here: Pilot Job Listings at Riyadh Air
Further, Riyadh Air is hiring cabin crew, and they have recently revealed their special uniform in unique way at Paris fashion show. Here’s more details: Cabin Crew – Future Opportunities 2025
Subsequently, RX has multiple vacancies for engineering personnel including aircraft technician, avionics engineer, fleet manager, airframe engineer, and more.
You can find more opportunities here: Job Listings at Riyadh Air (icims.com)
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