Airlines

5 Facts About Saudi Arabia’s Newest Riyadh Air

Saudi Arabia's new airline, Riyadh Air to hire 700 pilots as it prepares to launch

On March 12, 2023, Riyadh Air, a new airline, was unveiled by Saudi Arabia, one of the most notable Gulf nations. His Highness Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, announced the launch of Riyadh Air as the country’s new national airline.

Saudi Arabia announces plans for a six-runway hub airport in Riyadh.(Opens in a new browser tab)

1. By 2030, the new airline hopes to connect 100 destinations by taking advantage of Saudi Arabia’s advantageous geographic position between Asia, Africa, and Europe. By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia

2. Saudi Arabia is shifting its business from oil trading to the Tourism of Saudi Arabia which can drive the new way of GDP to the country. In addition to adding $20 billion to the kingdom’s non-oil GDP growth, Riyadh Air is expected to generate more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.

3. Riyadh likes the Boeing aircraft and it announced that it will purchase 39 highly efficient 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s. Based in the capital city, Riyadh Air will play a key role in growing Saudi Arabia’s air transport network.

4. Airlines from other nearby nations, such as Qatar Airlines, Emirates, Fly Dubai, and Etihad. In order to compete with them in the future, it has modified the Saudi Arabian Airlines brand by introducing new aircraft types, notably the Boeing 787.

5. A multibillion-dollar agreement with Boeing Airlines, based in the US, is announced by the airline. According to reports, Riyadh Air with Boeing reportedly finalizing a $35 billion agreement for the purchase of new narrow and wide-body aircraft.

6. Riyadh Air will be a top-tier airline, implementing the world’s highest sustainability and safety standards across its modern fleet of aircraft outfitted with cutting-edge technology. The new national airline will gain from PIF’s financial resources and investment know-how as it develops its business to become a major national carrier. Together with the newly revealed masterplan for King Salman International Airport, the new national airline represents PIF’s most recent investment in the industry, according to the announcement.

Saudi Arabia to order 40 A350s for new national airline RIA(Opens in a new browser tab)

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.