Saudi Crown Prince announces new national airline

Saudi Crown Prince announces new national airline

It is set to fly to over 100 destinations by 2030, and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs

By Web Desk Published: Sun 12 Mar 2023, 3:21 PM Last updated: Sun 12 Mar 2023, 3:31 PM

A new national airline will be established in Saudi Arabia, announced the Kingdom's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Riyadh Air will be a PIF-owned company, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The new carrier will be chaired by Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF. Tony Douglas, who brings more than 40 years of experience in the aviation, transportation and logistics industries, has been appointed CEO. The airline’s senior management will include Saudi and international expertise, SPA reported.

The eponymous Saudi capital will be the airline's hub, leveraging the country's geographical position to increase connectivity for passengers to over 100 destinations by 2030. Riyadh Air is set to be a 'world-class airline', and is expected to add $20 billion to non-oil GDP growth, and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The airline will provide tourists from around the world the opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural attractions. Riyadh Air will also serve