Riyadh Air to use AI for green flight routes in fight against climate change

Riyadh Air to use AI for green flight routes in fight against climate change

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s newest airline will use artificial intelligence to track the least carbon-emitting flight routes, according to its chief operating officer. 

Speaking during a panel discussion at the UN World Tourism Day 2023, held from Sept. 27-28 in the Saudi capital, Riyadh Air’s Peter Bellew discussed how the company was putting sustainability concerns at the center of its development. 

The airline, announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in March, has ordered 72 Boeing 787s, described by the executive as “the most carbon efficient aircraft there is out there.” 

He added: “We’re going to track in a unique way every single step and every part of our business (to see how) we can reduce our carbon emissions, how we can improve fuel usage, how we can use artificial intelligence to assist us and the optimal flight paths, flight routings, and all those things together.” 

The national carrier acknowledges its advantage as a startup without legacy systems and emphasizes its commitment to sustainability. 

The airline will also use IT systems to track each crew member’s carbon index, encouraging eco-friendly practices. 

Additionally, they are exploring environmentally conscious systems at airports, including electric and hydrogen-powered ground equipment. 

“This is going to be the center of the largest generation of