At Dubai Airshow 2025, Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, today 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.
