RIYADH- Saudi Arabia’s new flag carrier, Riyadh Air (RX), partners with IBM to launch the world’s first AI-native airline at IBM Think Riyadh 2025. This collaboration builds operations without legacy systems, enhancing guest and employee experiences through advanced AI tools.
The 3-year effort integrates IBM WatsonX, Orchestrate, and Consulting Advantage, orchestrating 59 workstreams with more than 60 partners, including Adobe, Apple, FLYR, and Microsoft.
With initial flights underway and first commercial service expected in early 2026, Riyadh Air aims to connect over 100 destinations by 2030.
Riyadh Air to Become AI-Native Airline
Riyadh Air establishes itself as the world’s first AI-native airline, designed from inception without legacy patchwork.
IBM Consulting serves as the orchestrator, uniting 59 workstreams and more than 60 partners through IBM Consulting Advantage, an AI-powered delivery platform that accelerates value creation.
This platform ensures seamless execution of the airline’s end-to-end technology strategy.
The 3-year collaboration reaches a pivotal milestone at IBM Think Riyadh 2025. Initial flights operate now, while full commercial service launches in early 2026.
Riyadh Air CFO Adam Boukadida states: “We had a clear choice, be the last airline built on legacy technology or the first built on the platforms that will define the next decade of aviation. With IBM, we’ve stripped out fifty years of legacy in a single stroke. Riyadh Air isn’t just built for today; it’s built for the future and creating a pathway for many airlines to follow in the years to come.”
IBM Senior Vice President Mohamad Ali adds: “By embedding AI into the very foundation of its operations, Riyadh Air is setting a new blueprint for what it means to build a modern, adaptive enterprise from the ground up. As a company born in the AI era, Riyadh Air is redefining what’s possible in aviation, and it’s been a privilege for IBM to help make that vision a reality.”
Transforming Employee and Traveler Interactions
Riyadh Air (RX) infuses generative AI and agentic AI capabilities into workflows, creating synchronized environments where people and technology deliver effortless travel at King Khalid International Airport (RUH).
Employee Experience
Employees access a personalized digital workplace powered by AI agents. This chat-first platform simplifies HR tasks and accelerates self-service as Riyadh Air (RX) doubles its workforce in the next 12 months.
Crew Enablement
IBM Watsonx Orchestrate powers mobile applications that provide a trustworthy, proactive, contextually aware concierge experience.
AI agents propose next-best actions for each crew persona. For example, staff receive prompts to offer fast-track services to late-arriving guests.
Customer Care
Digitally driven yet anchored in human values, AI-enabled voice bots and agent assists deliver personalized support. These tools use contextual data to anticipate traveler needs and enhance the overall journey.
Unlocking Efficiency and New Revenue Streams
Riyadh Air (RX) starts with a blank digital slate, using AI to drive efficiency and reinvest in innovation.
IBM Consulting implements an enterprise performance management suite that integrates financial, operational, and commercial data.
This system automates planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis to deliver real-time insights. Leaders optimize route profitability and support data-driven decisions instantly.
The partnership equips Riyadh Air with digital strategy, architecture, and operating models to transform aviation.
The airline expands Saudi Arabia’s connectivity to more than 100 destinations, serves millions of travelers by 2030, contributes $20 billion to non-oil GDP, and creates 200,000 jobs.
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