Riyadh Air’s Partnership with IBM Marks a Historic Moment in Aviation, Introducing AI-Driven Operations and Personalized Services for Travelers

Published on December 8, 2025

In an extraordinary step toward shaping the future of air travel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is now home to the world’s first AI-native airline, a groundbreaking collaboration between Riyadh Air and IBM. This momentous partnership, announced at IBM Think Riyadh 2025, is set to transform aviation forever, with Riyadh Air utilizing cutting-edge AI technologies to redefine how airlines operate. Designed from scratch to be an AI-powered enterprise, Riyadh Air is not only setting a new benchmark for customer service but also revolutionizing the entire aviation ecosystem.

The Birth of Riyadh Air: A New Era for Aviation

Since its inception, Riyadh Air has aimed to be a futuristic airline, free from the constraints of outdated technology and legacy systems. Unlike many airlines built on old infrastructure, Riyadh Air has been designed from the ground up with AI-driven operations. By working with IBM, a global leader in AI and hybrid cloud technologies, Riyadh Air is poised to become the most innovative airline in the world.

This collaboration has already led to a complete reimagining of employee and customer experiences. Riyadh Air will become a trailblazer for airlines worldwide, showing how AI can enhance every aspect of the aviation experience, from operations to passenger satisfaction.

What Makes Riyadh Air Different?

As the first AI-native airline, Riyadh Air is not just about cutting-edge technology—it’s about seamless travel experiences. Here’s how:

• AI-Powered Operations: The airline runs entirely on AI, enabling agile operations across its entire network.
• Employee Empowerment: Employees will benefit from personalized digital tools powered by AI, allowing for efficient workflow management and enhanced interaction with passengers.
• Enhanced Guest Experience: AI-driven voice bots and agent-assisted customer service will ensure each passenger enjoys a personalized, smooth journey.

How AI Transforms the Travel Experience

AI is embedded in Riyadh Air’s daily operations, ensuring that everything from flight scheduling to customer support is optimized for maximum efficiency.

• Employee Experience: With a chat-first entry point, employees can access HR services and manage tasks more effectively. This platform will be pivotal as Riyadh Air plans to double its workforce over the next year.
• Crew Enablement: Using IBM Watsonx Orchestrate, Riyadh Air will offer AI-powered mobile apps for its crew, allowing them to deliver personalized services to passengers. These apps will help staff anticipate needs, such as fast-tracking customers who are running late.
• Customer Care: By utilizing contextual AI, Riyadh Air will offer a uniquely human touch in its digital service, allowing its customer care team to provide attentive, personalized support.

Efficiency at Its Core

By choosing to build its operations from scratch, Riyadh Air has been able to create a new level of operational efficiency. The airline is able to analyze its financial, operational, and commercial data in real-time, making quick, data-driven decisions that optimize routes and enhance profitability.

• AI-Driven Insights: Through the use of AI technologies, Riyadh Air can forecast demand, streamline flight routes, and increase overall efficiency.
• Optimized Profitability: The airline uses AI tools to optimize its route profitability, ensuring that every flight delivers maximum returns.
• Reinvestment in Innovation: By focusing on AI, Riyadh Air reinvests the savings into further technological advancements, enhancing the passenger and employee experience.

Expanding Saudi Arabia’s Global Reach

Looking towards the future, Riyadh Air plans to connect over 100 destinations globally by 2030, creating an aviation powerhouse that will drive tourism and business growth in Saudi Arabia. This bold vision aims to bring millions of travelers to the Kingdom, boosting both its economy and international standing.

• Over 100 Destinations by 2030: Riyadh Air’s expansive network will connect Saudi Arabia to the world, allowing travelers to explore the Kingdom and beyond with ease.
• Saudi Arabia’s Growing Aviation Hub: Riyadh Air will play a central role in transforming the Kingdom into a global aviation hub, fostering greater connectivity across regions.

A Future-Ready Airline

Riyadh Air has created a new blueprint for what modern airlines should look like. Built from day one on AI platforms, it is reshaping how airlines function, offering real-time updates, personalized services, and a level of operational efficiency that others will struggle to match. The partnership with IBM ensures that Riyadh Air is equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow, setting new industry standards along the way.

As Riyadh Air prepares for its first commercial flight in early 2026, it’s clear that the airline is not just about offering flights. It’s about offering a revolutionized travel experience, powered by AI, designed for the future, and set to dominate the skies.

Key Features of Riyadh Air’s Transformation

• AI-Powered Technology: From operations to customer service, AI is embedded at every touchpoint.
• Personalized Employee Platforms: AI tools simplify workflow and boost employee engagement.
• Customer-Centric Services: The integration of AI with human services will provide a seamless, personalized travel experience.
• Operational Excellence: Real-time data analytics ensure maximum efficiency and optimized performance across the airline.
• Expansion Goals: Riyadh Air’s vision for 2030 will see it connecting over 100 destinations worldwide.