Airlines

Saudi Arabia to launch new airline ‘RIA’ with $30bn war chest to rival Emirates

The Middle Eastern nation is currently making efforts to reduce its dependence on oil revenue and now it is concentrating on establishing other sources of income

AviLease Buys 167 Standard Chartered Aircraft For $3.6 Billion

Saudi Arabia is a nation well renowned for its wealth derived from oil. The Middle Eastern nation is currently making efforts to reduce its dependence on oil revenue and now it is concentrating on establishing other sources of income to have a relatively independent economy.

Reports indicate that, in order to increase tourism in the area, the nation suggested launching a new airline in June 2022. Expectations for the debut of a new airline have now been further raised by reports about the carrier’s name, and the new national carrier of the company named called “RIA”.

Once launched, it will become Saudi’s second national carrier, based out of Riyadh. The current Saudia operates from Jeddah. By 2030, Saudi Arabia wants to see 30 million foreign transit travelers, up from just under 4 million at the moment. In order to run over 150 routes across Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Asia, the new carrier will eventually need to invest $30 billion. Emirates now offers flights to 158 locations in 85 nations.

The new carrier will focus on a number of important global source markets, including Africa and Asia-Pacific. Currently, the Middle East accounts for around 60% of all aviation travel in Saudi Arabia. Africa only accounts for 10% of the global population, with Asia-Pacific accounting for 20%, the source said.

Airlines

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.