Riyadh Air Plans Partnerships with Air India and IndiGo to Expand in India
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline, is looking to partner with Indian carriers Air India and IndiGo. CEO Tony Douglas is leading a delegation in India from March 12 to 14, 2025, to discuss collaboration opportunities. These partnerships will help Riyadh Air increase its presence in India and improve connectivity between the two countries.
India: A Key Market for Riyadh Air
India is a crucial market for Riyadh Air due to its growing aviation industry. Over the past two years, Riyadh Air has received 1.4 million job applications from 146 nationalities, with a significant number from India. Currently, Indians make up the second-largest workforce at Riyadh after Saudi nationals. This strong interest highlights India’s potential as a key partner in Riyadh Air’s expansion.
Riyadh Air: Expanding Fleet and Future Plans
Riyadh Air is rapidly expanding its fleet to support its global growth. The airline has ordered up to 132 aircraft, including Airbus A321neos and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Additionally, Riyadh Air is in talks with Boeing and Airbus for ultra-long-range aircraft like the Boeing 777-9X and Airbus A350-1000. These new planes will help Riyadh Air improve long-haul connectivity and serve high-demand routes.
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Increasing Indian Tourism to Saudi Arabia
Tourism between India and Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly. In 2024, nearly 1.5 million Indian tourists visited Saudi Arabia, a 50% increase from the previous year. The Saudi Tourism Authority aims to attract 7.5 million Indian visitors annually by 2030. Riyadh Air’s expansion will support this goal by offering more direct flights and seamless travel options.
Exclusive Sales Partner in India
To boost ticket sales and customer support, Riyadh has partnered with Bird Travels as its exclusive distributor in India. This partnership will streamline ticketing, improve customer service, and enhance Riyadh Air’s market presence in India.
A Promising Future for Riyadh Air in India
With its strong partnerships and growing fleet, Riyadh Air’s is set to play a major role in India’s aviation sector. As it prepares for its commercial launch, these collaborations will strengthen economic and cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and India.
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