Middle East

Riyadh Air CEO on Building an Airline from Scratch

Gordon Smith photo
Gordon Smith
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air speaking on stage at a Skift event.

Photo Credit: Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air Skift

Skift Take

If you thought being CEO of an international airline was tough, try starting one from scratch. That's the formidable challenge facing Tony Douglas and his team as Riyadh Air prepares to launch later this year.

In this special 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 its upcoming Air Operator Certificate, the importance of digital transformation in enhancing guest experience, and the strategic partnerships being formed with other airlines.

Douglas later shares insights into the fleet development, including orders for Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and the significance of loyalty programs in building customer engagement.

This episode is presented by Riyadh Air.

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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 new widebody aircraft.
  • Flexibility in aircraft orders allows for adjustments as needed.