Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air has signed a global distribution agreement with Amadeus to strengthen its international presence ahead of its commercial debut.
The partnership connects the Public Investment Fund-owned carrier to more than 190 travel markets through the Amadeus Travel Platform, expanding its retail capabilities and linking it to one of the world’s largest networks of travel sellers.
This move directly supports the National Aviation Strategy, which targets doubling passenger capacity to 330 million annually, expanding routes to more than 250 destinations, and increasing cargo handling to 4.5 million tones by 2030. Launched in 2023 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Riyadh Air is expected to add over $20 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Vincent Coste, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, said the partnership provides “the global reach, distribution power, and retailing capabilities” to achieve Riyadh Air’s goal of serving 100 destinations by 2030. The agreement also includes future distribution of New Distribution Capability (NDC) content, enabling more dynamic and personalized travel offerings.
Amadeus executive Maher Koubaa emphasized that the collaboration will equip Riyadh Air with advanced retailing and data-driven tools, strengthening its ability to differentiate on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Riyadh Air’s fleet expansion continues at pace. Four Boeing 787 Dreamliners are currently in assembly, with the first deliveries expected soon. The airline has also placed large-scale orders, including up to 72 Boeing 787s, 60 Airbus A321neos, and 50 Airbus A350s, ensuring long-term growth.
For the global travel and aviation industry, Riyadh Air’s entry is more than just a new airline. It marks Saudi Arabia’s next step toward becoming a world-class aviation hub.
If your company is exploring opportunities in this transformation — from digital travel services to logistics support and aviation partnerships — Haris Consultancy can help craft the right strategy to navigate and capture growth in the Saudi market.
