Riyadh Air CEO on Building an Airline from Scratch

In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, host Gordon Smith speaks with Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, about the launch of the new national carrier for Saudi Arabia. They discuss the airline's ambitious plans, including achieving an Air Operator Certificate, the importance of digital transformation in enhancing guest experience, and the strategic partnerships being formed with other airlines. Tony shares insights into the fleet development, including orders for Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and the significance of loyalty programs in building customer engagement. The conversation highlights the exciting future of Riyadh Air as it prepares to take to the skies.

Takeaways

• Riyadh Air aims to connect over 100 cities in five years.
• The airline has no legacy, allowing for innovative digital solutions.
• Achieving the AOC is a rigorous process ensuring compliance and capability.
• Digital transformation is key to enhancing guest experience.
• Hyper-personalization will cater to individual traveler preferences.
• Partnerships with established airlines are crucial for growth.
• Loyalty programs will be a foundation for customer engagement.
• The airline is actively seeking extra wide-body aircraft.
• Flexibility in aircraft orders allows for adjustments as needed.
• The future of Riyadh Air looks promising with ambitious growth plans.

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