Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast

Riyadh Air CEO on Building an Airline from Scratch

Apr 3, 2025

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air and a leader in airline innovation, discusses the ambitious launch of Saudi Arabia's new national carrier. He outlines plans to connect over 100 cities within five years, emphasizing a rigorous Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process. The conversation dives into the airline's commitment to digital transformation, including hyper-personalization of travel experiences. Douglas also reveals strategic partnerships with established airlines and the importance of unique loyalty programs to enhance customer engagement and future growth.

26:12

Creator website

Episode guests

Tony Douglas

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Riyadh Air aims to connect over 100 global cities within five years, leveraging its strategic hub in Riyadh.

With no legacy constraints, Riyadh Air focuses on innovative digital transformation to enhance guest experience through hyper-personalization.

Deep dives

Introduction to Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air aims to establish itself as a premier digital airline, connecting over 100 global cities within its first five years. As a new national carrier for Saudi Arabia, it does not carry any legacy, which allows for a focus on high-quality service and modern digital features. This includes advanced aircraft with state-of-the-art interiors and digital entertainment systems designed to enhance guest experiences. The capital city of Riyadh serves as a strategic hub, positioning the airline to effectively serve both local and international travelers.

Intro

2min

Strategic Launch of a New Airline in Saudi Arabia

2min

Launching an Airline: Embracing Innovation and Personalization

7min

Exploring Ancillary Revenue and Digital Innovations in Aviation

2min

Riyadh Air's Ambitious Fleet Strategy

11min

Looking Ahead: Aspirations for a New Airline Venture

2min

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.