Saudi Arabia’s new national airline RIA to begin operations
in 2022
Saudi Arabia’s brand new airline RIA is set to take its
first flight in the coming months.
According to Arabian Business, the initial launch phase will
see narrow bodied aircraft rolled out for regional travel, operating out of
Riyadh.
Backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), around $30
billion is initially being invested to create the new carrier, with long-term
ambitions of becoming a major global player.
“We are talking about a brand-new airline that aims to do
what Emirates did in a quarter of the timescale. It’s unprecedented in the
history of aviation. It’s also why they have yet to appoint a CEO – whoever
takes this job will have to deliver the most ambitious targets you can
imagine,” sources told Arabian Business.
Recently, reports surfaced about PIF’s talks with Boeing Co.
and Airbus SE to acquire about 80 jets.
PIF is looking to buy about 40 planes and the requirement
includes single-aisle aircraft and larger wide-body models able to fly long
distances.
Saudi Arabia’s RIA is part of the kingdom’s Vision 2030
goals, which aims to wean the country of its oil dependent revenues. The oil rich kingdom intends to invest $100
billion in aviation sector alone.
RIA will be based out of Riyadh, while SAUDIA will operate
from Jeddah. A third national carrier, based in NEOM, is also being considered.
Source: Arabian Business