Saudi Arabia to announce new Airlines: Minister

Saudi Arabia expects to announce new airlines in the near future, says the Kingdom’s Minister of Investment.

Saudi Arabia expects to announce new airlines in the near future, says the Kingdom’s Minister of Investment.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Paris Airshow Khalid Al Falih said a country of Saudi Arabia’s size deserves a wide range of airlines and more are expected soon.

In March of this year Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced the establishment of Riyadh Air, but more airlines could be set to take off in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia mulls new airlines

Speaking to Al Arabiya, Khalid Al Falih said: “The Kingdom is a large country in terms of size, population, economy, and tourism – deserving a wide range of airlines.

“Currently, Saudi Arabia is served by prominent airlines such as Saudia, flynas, and Riyadh Air, with more expected to be announced in the near future”.

No timeline was given for the announcement or launch date of any future airline launch.

Al Falih highlighted the importance of aviation, and in particular Riyadh Air, to the Kingdom’s tourism push.

He said: “Riyadh Air complements a lot of the Kingdom’s strategies. It greatly contributes to Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector growth strategy by connecting Riyadh to the capitals of the world”.

Pointing to Riyadh Air’s recent bumper orders with Boeing, Al Falih emphasised the importance of fleet-building for the country’s existing and future airlines.

“Riyadh is in need of new airlines that connect the capital with over 100 cities from around the world directly without any transits. The capital is also in need of new and advanced aircraft like the ones Riyadh Air received from Boeing after their recent partnership,” he said. 

Source:- The Arabian Business