• Airline held productive meetings in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai with key Chinese industry stakeholders including the CAAC, airports and airlines
• CEO Tony Douglas is hugely encouraged by the enthusiasm of so many global airlines who want to be part of the Riyadh Air story

A senior delegation from Riyadh Air, led by CEO Tony Douglas, visited the People’s Republic of China last week to meet with leading figures in the Chinese aviation industry, as the airline moves towards its maiden flight in mid-2025. The airline was warmly hosted by the Saudi ambassador to China H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Harbi, followed by productive meetings with the eminent Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) local authorities, several airports, and airlines as it plans for future operations in China.

Riyadh Air CEO, Mr. Tony Douglas, said:

We were given a warm welcome by our hospitable Chinese hosts who helped to facilitate a series of extremely productive meetings. We were honored to share our plans for the future including our roadmap for Chinese operations, which were received very positively by the entire industry. China will play a very important role in our growth and we were encouraged by the level of support offered by the authorities and airports. Our meeting with potential Chinese airline partners were very positive as many carriers, both in China and across the world, are keen to play a part in our future as we expand rapidly towards a global footprint of over 100 destinations by 2030.

He continued:

While we have no immediate plans to join an alliance, we are making significant progress on forging a series of strong bilateral partnerships to expand its network and global reach. I have been hugely encouraged by the enthusiasm of so many airlines who want to be part of the Riyadh Air story. It’s clearly emerging that our airline partners will be from a mix of backgrounds and geographical locations who see the massive potential of partnering with the new national carrier of the G20’s fastest growing economy and creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

The airline is set to continue as a disruptor in the aviation world having enjoyed a trailblazing six months. Following a successful launch of the Riyadh Air brand to great acclaim in early 2023, the airline placed an order for up to 72 Boeing 787-9 aircraft followed by the reveal of a stunning new livery that grabbed the attention of the world. Additionally, it agreed a sponsorship agreement with leading European football club, Atlético de Madrid, to be its official shirt sponsor.