Riyadh Air will announce a deal to purchase a “sizeable” number of "narrowbody" aircraft in the coming weeks, announced CEO Tony Douglas.
Douglas told Reuters in an interview on Monday, "We have concluded our narrowbody campaign," he said in an interview in London on Monday. "I think we will probably announce it within the coming weeks."
Riyadh Air had ordered 72 Boeing 787 widebody jets, and these will be followed by narrowbodies, according to Douglas.
- Strategic agreement
Also, Riyadh Air and IBM signed a strategic agreement for consulting services.
IBM Consulting will be the lead systems integrator to support creating, building, and orchestrating the technology foundation that can help the digitally native airline to offer exceptional and seamless travel experiences.
Riyadh Air and IBM Consulting have already created the airline's digital and technology strategy.
The airline selected IBM Consulting to support building the key business and technology capabilities that underpin the strategy.
It includes implementing and integrating over 50 airline industry solutions and core technology capabilities, including security, infrastructure, integration, and data platforms, using a hybrid cloud approach.
IBM will also orchestrate the work of over 40 partners by providing program and technical governance, project management, quality assurance, change and communications management, and training.
- Enabling digital innovations
According to the information released, the collaboration is expected to help position Riyadh Air strategically within the broader ecosystem to offer digital innovations and exceptional experiences for travelers and guests.
The airline aims to create a world-class airline with a personalized and seamless guest experience powered by AI and state-of-the-art digital technology, taking obsessive care of details that make memorable micro-moments across the traveler's journey.
Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida said the company aims to launch its first flight in 2025, putting Riyadh Air at the cutting edge of digital technology and innovation within the aviation industry, adopting the best international sustainability and safety practices to deliver an exceptional travel experience, for its guests locally and internationally.
"IBM Consulting will be our principal partner driving us towards our vision with their deep expertise in managing large complex systems and integration programs as well as their expertise in the travel industry," Boukadida added.
- Hybrid cloud
For his part, Senior Vice President John Granger explained that a technology foundation built with an open, hybrid cloud approach and AI can help achieve the flexibility and agility needed to support the goal of delivering an exceptional travel experience for Riyadh Air customers.
Granger said: "We're proud to be Riyadh Air's partner and help them bring this new era of the Kingdom's aviation industry to life."
The technology and digital strategy of Riyadh Air will support its mission in line with Vision 2030 for leadership in the aviation sector by transforming it into a global center for aviation and trade.
