Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Plans to Create 200,000 New Jobs through Riyadh Air Launch

Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of a new national airline called Riyadh Air. This new airline aims to improve connectivity between the Kingdom and the three continents it shares with Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is expected to provide services to over 100 locations worldwide by 2030.

Tony Douglas, the former CEO of Etihad Airways, has been appointed as the CEO of Riyadh Air. The airline will be fully controlled by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. The PIF Governor, Yasser bin Othman al-Rumayyan, will serve as the chair of the board of directors.

The upper management of Riyadh Air will comprise of both Saudis and foreign personnel. This will bring diverse perspectives to the table and help the airline to achieve its goal of becoming a world-class airline. The new airline is headquartered in the nation's capital, Riyadh, and its launch comes after the King Salman International Airport Master Plan was unveiled in November 2022 for a significant new airport in Riyadh.

In conclusion, the launch of Riyadh Air is a significant step for Saudi Arabia's aviation industry. The new airline will not only boost the country's connectivity with other continents but also provide employment opportunities for both Saudis and foreign personnel. With the leadership of Tony Douglas and the backing of the PIF, Riyadh Air is well-positioned to become a world-class airline. We look forward to seeing the airline take flight and contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia's economy.