In an effort to compete with regional transportation and travel centers, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formally announced the establishment of a new national airline, Riyadh Air, on Sunday. Industry veteran Tony Douglas will serve as the airline’s chief executive.
Taking advantage of the kingdom’s location between Asia, Africa, and Europe, Riyadh Air will serve more than 100 locations worldwide by 2030, according to state news agency SPA.
The new airline is anticipated to boost Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP growth by $20 billion and generate more than 200,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, according to the statement.
As the tourism industry rebounds from the epidemic, the news might result in a stronger competition for customers, going head-to-head with regional heavyweights Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
