As trade tensions escalate between China and the United States, Boeing faces the possibility of having to reassign aircraft originally intended for Chinese airlines. Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas confirmed on Monday that the Saudi startup carrier would be ready to step in.
“What we’ve done… is made it quite clear to Boeing, should that ever happen, and the keyword there is should, we’ll happily take them all,” Douglas said during an interview at the Arabian Travel Market conference.
Boeing recently hinted at this potential shift during an analyst call, emphasizing the strong global demand for jets even amidst market turbulence.
Riyadh Air’s Ambitious Expansion Plans
Riyadh Air, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has been actively expanding its fleet. The airline placed an order for 60 Airbus A321-family jets last October and committed to up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in March 2023.
Douglas indicated that delays in aircraft deliveries remain a challenge across the industry but said Riyadh Air had contingency plans in place. The airline is preparing to launch operations in the fourth quarter and has already hired 500 employees, aiming to double that number within the next year.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Aviation Growth
Riyadh Air’s growth strategy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to diversify its economy beyond oil. The kingdom is investing billions into tourism and business infrastructure, with Riyadh positioned as a key hub.
Douglas also commented on travel demand, saying the airline had not observed any slowdown despite global economic uncertainty. He highlighted the Dubai-to-Riyadh route as one of the most profitable, given its popularity among bankers, consultants, and influencers.
In a broader geopolitical note, Douglas mentioned the reopening of Syrian airspace to flights from the UAE as “probably a signal that things are at the margin moving in the right direction,” reflecting cautious optimism about regional stability.