At Dubai Airshow 2025, Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, announced a comprehensive suite of technical, training, and travel partnership agreements designed to rapidly scale its operations and enhance the passenger experience.
These pivotal
collaborations encompass a major expansion of its A321neo fleet support through
new engine orders and state-of-the-art pilot simulators, technology and
comprehensive maintenance & digital operations for its Boeing 787
Dreamliners. An array of strategic travel MoUs signed with key agencies align
to cement Riyadh Air's position as a digital-native, future-focused airline,
contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
“This week has been
a hugely important step on our Pathway to Perfect as we signed a multitude of
agreements with critical partners who will all contribute to our future
success. These partnerships lay the groundwork for building and maintaining our
fleet, equipping our flight deck crew with the best possible training and
expanding our footprint in the region,” said Tony Douglas, CEO
of Riyadh Air. "With an ambitious aim to connect to 100
destinations by 2030, we need strong partners to help us deliver on the digital
native, future-focused promises we’re making as an airline built from the
ground, up – a truly once-in-a-generation opportunity”.
Capturing PIF
Partner Synergies
Riyadh Air and The Helicopter Company (THC),
the Kingdom’s exclusive commercial helicopter operator and PIF company, have
also signed a strategic MoU which lays the groundwork for future collaboration
to enhance travel convenience and unlock new mobility opportunities across
Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Air’s contribution to the Kingdom’s rapidly
evolving aviation ecosystem. The collaboration aligns with PIF’s mandate to
strengthen strategic sectors and supports Saudi Vision 2030.
The initiative aims to
facilitate fast and efficient transfers between King Khalid International
Airport (RUH) and various destinations within Riyadh, mirroring similar premium
helicopter transfer services offered in global cities such as New York and Nice.
Advanced
Training and Propulsion for the A321neo Fleet
In support of the
rollout of its Airbus A321 fleet, Riyadh Air inked agreements with technology
company CAE and engine provider CFM LEAP.
The CAE agreement will see Riyadh acquire two Airbus A321neo
full-flight simulators (FFS), accompanied by a five-year Training Centre
Operations (TCOP) agreement to support the airline’s pilot training needs. The
two A321neo FFS join two Boeing 787-9 FFS acquired in 2023 in Riyadh Air’s
training centres, which will be operated by CAE.
The deal signed
with CFM LEAP saw a firm order placed for 120 CFM LEAP-1A
engines to power Riyadh Air’s first 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft, as well as
supplying spare engines. CFM LEAP engines feature advanced
technologies like composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites which
offer 15% more fuel efficiency, with 15% lower carbon emissions than
prior-generation CFM56 engines.
Optimising the
787 Dreamliner Fleet: Comprehensive Support, Digital Integration &
Technical Innovation
To support its Boeing
787-9 Dreamliner fleet, Riyadh Air has agreed a ten-year Total Component
Support (TCS) and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) agreement with Lufthansa
Technik, while also entering the Digital Tech Ops Ecosystem with AMOS
M&E software.
The TCS provides
Riyadh Air with 24/7/365 access to Lufthansa Technik’s industry-leading global
spare parts pool network, through which the airline can significantly increase
the availability of aircraft components for the 787 Dreamliner fleet. This will
allow Riyadh Air to leverage considerable cost advantages compared to a
conventional in-house spare parts provisioning. The deal includes comprehensive
AOG (Aircraft On Ground) support that guarantees Riyadh Air the shortest
possible reaction times and a dedicated logistics support for time-critical
components.
Riyadh Air has also
signed a long-term agreement with Safran Landing Systems to
equip its growing fleet of more than 70 Boeing 787-9 aircraft with wheels &
electric carbon brakes. Safran Landing Systems’ solutions
offer up to 250 pounds (113 kg) in weight savings per aircraft - a key lever
for optimising aircraft performance. In the high-altitude conditions of King
Khaled International Airport, brakes must absorb more kinetic energy because
the air is less dense, which reduces the wings' range and the power of the
engines' reverse thrust. The lighter a brake is, the higher its cooling
capacity. This also translates directly into enhanced fuel efficiency and lower
operating costs.
As part of this
agreement, Safran Landing Systems will also provide its latest
787 Electrical Brake Tester, develop Riyadh Air’s repair capability, and train
local technicians, supporting long-term airline performance and the growth of
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s aviation ecosystem.
Connecting the
World: Strategic Travel Alliances Boost Access and Experience
As the airline builds
its footprint in the commercial space, Riyadh Air also signed Memoranda of
Understanding (MoU) with a number of regional and international entities.
These MOUs, which are expected to enable seamless access to Riyadh Air’s
expanding route network and bolster its premium passenger experience, include
the following:
Riyadh Air already operates daily flights from KKIA to London Heathrow (LHR)
for select passenger groups, as part of its preparations on its ‘Pathway to
Perfect’ and will be revealing more of its route network, shortly. The
airline’s digital native approach, paired with a modern, state-of-the-art fleet
and a commitment to sustainability in its operations and environmental
footprint, is set to redefine the future of air travel and strengthen the
Kingdom’s position as a global aviation hub.
Riyadh Air will continue to partner with global travel organisations, airlines and other partners to help strengthen strategic sectors and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, of which tourism and aviation form a core element. -TradeArabia News Service
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