Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air Positioned to Become the World’s First Fully AI-Native Airline, Transforming Global Travel and Tourism

Published on December 9, 2025

A new era in global aviation is being shaped in Saudi Arabia, where Riyadh Air is being positioned as the world’s first AI-native airline, redefining how travelers experience international journeys. Built entirely without the limitations of legacy systems, the airline has been structured from the outset with a framework driven by advanced AI, ensuring a modern, adaptable, and guest-focused travel environment. Through a strategic collaboration with IBM, a comprehensive digital foundation is being created to support end-to-end airline functions, enhancing operational precision while elevating traveler engagement across every touchpoint. This initiative has been designed to support Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions to strengthen its global tourism footprint, open new international corridors, and offer seamless connections for millions of visitors in the coming decade. By introducing technologies such as IBM WatsonX, Orchestrate, and Consulting Advantage, the airline is being prepared to deliver personalized journeys, streamline interactions for employees, and accelerate decision-making at every operational level. As initial flights begin and full commercial service approaches, Riyadh Air is being positioned not only as a carrier but as a digitally empowered gateway to Saudi Arabia’s expanding travel ecosystem.

Riyadh Air’s Vision for an AI-Driven Future

A significant transformation is being introduced within Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape as Riyadh Air establishes itself as the first airline built entirely on AI-native principles. Unlike traditional carriers shaped by decades of gradual upgrades, Riyadh Air has been developed from the ground up with a digital blueprint that removes the burden of outdated structures. This strategic advantage allows the airline to incorporate advanced technologies into every operational layer, shaping a travel experience that is refined, responsive, and aligned with the expectations of modern global travelers.

The partnership with IBM has been placed at the center of this development strategy. For three years, a coordinated effort has been executed to integrate AI tools, smart workflows, and automated decision-making processes across all business functions. With no legacy roadblocks, the airline’s digital ecosystem is being designed to evolve rapidly as future innovations emerge.

Foundations Built Through Global Collaboration

The collaboration between Riyadh Air and IBM has brought together 59 operational workstreams supported by more than 60 global partners. Each partner contributes specialized expertise in areas ranging from passenger experience design to financial modeling and commercial optimization. Companies such as Adobe, Apple, FLYR, and Microsoft have been integrated into these workstreams, ensuring that innovation is applied consistently and coherently.

Through IBM Consulting Advantage, the master orchestrator of this transformation, digital frameworks are being aligned across departments to accelerate efficiency and value creation. This platform ensures that workflows across the airline operate cohesively, reducing delays and eliminating structural inconsistencies that typically emerge when legacy systems are patched over time.

A milestone in this multi-year journey was marked at IBM Think Riyadh 2025, where significant progress in establishing the AI-native infrastructure was highlighted. As initial flights begin and the first commercial services approach in early 2026, the airline moves closer to connecting Saudi Arabia with major tourism hubs across the world.

Elevating Workforce Capabilities Through AI Integration

A major focus of Riyadh Air’s digital architecture involves improving the experience of employees who operate the airline’s daily functions. A personalized digital workplace has been implemented, allowing staff to manage HR tasks, training modules, and operational updates through AI-enabled tools. These systems have been designed to support the airline as its workforce is expected to expand significantly within the next 12 months.

Crew members benefit from AI-powered enablement platforms introduced through WatsonX Orchestrate. These mobile solutions provide context-aware guidance, helping crew deliver more precise and timely services during every flight. For instance, when guests arrive late to the airport, AI agents are programmed to prompt crew members to offer fast-track assistance, ensuring smoother and more personalized departure processes.

These improvements not only support employee efficiency but also strengthen service interactions, which play a central role in shaping the perceived quality of international travel.

Guest-Centered Travel Experiences for Global Tourists

Riyadh Air has adopted a digital-first approach to enhance guest communications and connection points throughout the travel journey. AI-driven voice bots, intelligent agent support, and contextual service tools have been embedded across customer service platforms. These features allow traveler needs to be predicted and addressed even before direct interaction takes place.

By balancing digital efficiency with human-centered values, the airline aims to deliver a smooth and reassuring environment for global tourists arriving in Saudi Arabia. Whether travelers seek support during booking, inquiries about airport procedures, or solutions during unexpected travel changes, the airline’s AI systems are prepared to offer timely and accurate guidance.

Unlocking New Revenue and Operational Efficiency

The decision to construct Riyadh Air without legacy digital structures provides a substantial advantage in operational efficiency. Through the implementation of IBM’s enterprise performance management suite, financial, commercial, and operational data is centralized into a single integrated environment. This system automates forecasting, budgeting, route performance analysis, and revenue modeling, enabling leaders to make decisions using real-time insights.

These capabilities allow route profitability to be evaluated with precision, helping the airline optimize connectivity as it plans to expand to more than 100 destinations by 2030. Beyond operational advantages, the AI-native model opens opportunities for new revenue streams, dynamic pricing systems, and personalized travel packages that align with Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth plans.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Tourism Vision

The development of Riyadh Air forms an essential part of Saudi Arabia’s broader objective to strengthen its non-oil economy. By introducing a future-ready airline designed to serve millions of travelers, the country aims to position itself as a central global hub for tourism, business travel, and cultural connectivity.

Through expanded routes and enhanced passenger volume, Riyadh Air is expected to support the creation of 200,000 jobs and contribute approximately $20 billion to the nation’s non-oil GDP. As new international markets open and long-haul connection points increase, the airline’s presence will play a transformative role in shaping how global travelers access Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism offerings.