Riyadh: Saudi Arabia announced creation of new national airline part of plan to turn Riyadh into global aviation hub rivalling regional leaders like Dubai and Doha.

Riyadh Air "Aims to launch flights to more than 100 destinations around world by 2030," official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Tony Douglas former head of Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has been appointed CEO, SPA said.

Gulf kingdom is pursuing ambitious aviation goals as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's wide-ranging "Vision 2030" reform agenda, including more than tripling annual traffic to 330 million passengers by end of decade.

 It also wants to move up to five million tonnes of cargo each year. Last November officials announced plans for new airport in capital Riyadh spanning 57 square kilometres that is set to accommodate 120 million travellers by 2030 and 185 million travellers by 2050. Sunday's announcement said Riyadh Air would operate "Fleet of advanced aircraft", but did not specify how big fleet would be or from where it would be sourced.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 13 2023

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