Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air Launches New Electric Coaches for Eco-Friendly Transport

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Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s innovative digital airline, has made a significant stride in its commitment to sustainability by introducing its inaugural fleet of electric coaches for employee transport. This initiative underscores the airline’s dedication to embracing all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, following its recent pledge to the UN Global Compact.

In collaboration with the National Transportation Solutions Company (NTSC), a division of Petromin Corporation, and TAM-Europe, known for its digital solutions promoting sustainable public transport, Riyadh Air’s new electric bus fleet is set to enhance the daily commutes of its staff and aircrew throughout Riyadh. This move is part of the airline’s broader strategy to reduce its environmental impact.

The launch event featured notable attendees including Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air; Kalyana Sivagnanam, Group CEO of Petromin Corporation; and Gary B. Flom, CEO of Petromin National Transportation Solutions Company.

“Every effort we make to champion sustainable practices counts in our collective fight against climate change, said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.

Sustainability is embedded in our DNA and we will reflect this across all Riyadh Air’s operations, from managing fuel efficiency in the sky to reducing carbon emissions on the ground. Investing in electric coaches is just one early initiative we can introduce to offset our environmental footprint as we demonstrate we will be a leader in helping achieve the aviation industry’s global net-zero agenda. Mr. Kalyana Sivagnanam, the Group CEO of Petromin Corporation, voiced his pride in the strategic partnership with Riyadh Air and stated:

“We are proud to have this partnership for sustainable mobility with Riyadh Air and contribute to their efforts to reach sustainability goals. This is a remarkable airline with environmental responsibility embedded in their DNA.”

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The International Energy Agency reports that in 2022, private cars and vans accounted for over a quarter of global oil consumption and around 10% of energy-related carbon emissions. To address this, Riyadh Air is investing in electric vehicles and carpooling services to boost fuel efficiency and decrease the number of single-occupancy cars on Riyadh’s roads.

This effort complements Riyadh Air’s recent agreement to implement GE Aerospace’s comprehensive flight operations software, including Safety Insight, Fuel Insight, and FlightPulse®. Announced in July, this partnership will provide Riyadh Air with advanced data analytics to optimize fuel use, improve safety, and support its sustainability goals.

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Riyadh Air is set to commence commercial operations in mid-2025 from King Khalid International Airport. As part of Saudi Arabia’s vision to establish a global aviation hub, the airline aims to connect to one hundred regional and international destinations by 2030, capitalizing on the country’s strategic position between Asia, Africa, and Europe.