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Riyadh Air to Purchase ‘Narrowbody’ Jets in Coming Weeks

Riyadh Air, the new Saudi air carrier (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Riyadh Air, the new Saudi air carrier (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Riyadh Air to Purchase ‘Narrowbody’ Jets in Coming Weeks

Riyadh Air, the new Saudi air carrier (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Riyadh Air, the new Saudi air carrier (Asharq Al-Awsat)

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.

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ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
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ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)

Saudi energy and water developer ACWA Power reported a 44% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2025, reaching SAR 427.15 million ($113.8 million), according to a disclosure filed with the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).

The company attributed the strong performance primarily to higher total revenues, an increase in other operating income before impairment and other charges, a reduction in impairment expenses, and a rise in deferred tax balances. These gains were partially offset by increased costs in project development, general and administrative expenses, and financing charges.

ACWA Power’s revenue rose 57% in the quarter, reaching SAR 1.97 billion ($525.2 million), supported by growth across development and construction management services, operation and maintenance contracts, and electricity sales.

In a letter to investors, CEO Marco Arcelli emphasized that the company maintained strong momentum in developing new projects across all sectors during the first quarter.

These initiatives not only lay the foundation for stable future revenues and cash flows, but also contribute to earnings from procurement and construction management, reinforcing the company’s commitment to financial and operational growth, he noted.

Arcelli expressed optimism about the company’s long-term outlook, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen project development pipelines, improve procurement strategies, and streamline construction execution.

ACWA Power is building a solid platform for consistent and sustainable growth while remaining focused on delivering its strategic objectives, he stressed.

Among the company’s most significant recent projects are several in renewable energy and water. In the solar sector, ACWA Power is developing the Al-Muwayh solar power plant in Saudi Arabia with a capacity of 2,000 megawatts and an investment of approximately SAR 35 million. The plant is scheduled to begin operations under a long-term power purchase agreement starting in 2027.

The company is also working on the Al-Khushaybi solar plant, with a capacity of 35 megawatts.

In wind energy, ACWA Power is constructing the Bash wind farm in Uzbekistan, a 500-megawatt project expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025. Another wind project in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s national energy company will have a capacity of 65 megawatts and is also scheduled for completion in 2025.

In the water sector, ACWA Power owns a 40% stake in the Taweelah desalination plant in the United Arab Emirates, one of the largest facilities of its kind with a daily capacity of 3 million cubic meters. The company also holds a 35% share in the Sudair solar project in Saudi Arabia, which will generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity.

ACWA Power has expanded its international footprint with recent acquisitions, including an 85% stake in Yanghe New Energy Technology in China. The company also acquired strategic assets in Egypt and Kuwait and is actively entering new markets while expanding its presence in existing ones.

The company continues to prioritize innovation and R&D, particularly in solar and wind energy, green hydrogen, and energy storage. It is advancing new projects, increasing energy sales, and strengthening its global presence through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Italian firms and others in Africa and East Asia.

ACWA Power has also launched a new research and development center in Shanghai as part of its international growth strategy.