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[IMG alt="Riyadh Air secures
2,574 slots
King Khalid International Airport
Saudi Arabia’s"]https://www.travelandtourworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/art-6-body-img-1-850x478.jpg[/IMG]
Riyadh Air secures 2,574 slots at King Khalid International Airport, marking a breakthrough in its journey to lead Saudi Arabia’s thriving aviation industry.
Riyadh Air, the latest entrant to Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector, is gearing up to launch its much-anticipated operations in the summer of 2025. According to filings from Airport Coordination Limited (ACL), the airline has been allocated 2,574 slots at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH). This allocation represents 100% of the slots Riyadh Air requested for the upcoming International Air Transport Association (IATA) summer season, which begins on March 30, 2025.
The slot coordinator’s report revealed that airlines collectively requested 97,130 slots at RUH, with ACL approving only 38.7% of these requests. Riyadh Air’s success in securing its desired slots highlights the importance placed on the airline’s role in expanding the country’s aviation industry.
Despite not operating any flights during the current winter season (October 27, 2024, to March 29, 2025), Riyadh Air has positioned itself as the fourth-largest airline at King Khalid International Airport. Its 2% share of total allocated flight movements trails behind SAUDIA, the national flag carrier, which dominates with a 50.9% share.
The startup carrier’s reach extends beyond Riyadh, as it has also received 702 slots at Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). However, Riyadh Air’s presence is yet to be established at major international hubs such as Dubai International Airport (DXB), London Heathrow Airport (LHR), and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), as no slot requests have been made for these airports thus far.
At Routes World in October, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas emphasized the untapped potential of Riyadh as a travel hub. He described the city as underserved in terms of international connectivity, with its youthful and digitally savvy population eager for travel opportunities abroad.
Douglas noted that the airline’s initial destination list, set to be unveiled in early 2025, would not feature surprises but would prioritize aircraft utilization efficiency. The meticulous allocation of slots and schedules is key to the airline’s strategy of optimizing operations.
The ACL report details Riyadh Air’s ambitious operational plans. On Mondays and Sundays, the airline aims to manage up to 352 aircraft movements, increasing to 374 on peak days. Slot timings indicate a concentrated focus on optimizing traffic during peak hours, with the busiest periods occurring between 11:00 and 12:00, when 64 movements are planned, and between 22:00 and 23:00, with 48 movements.
Tuesdays will also see robust activity, with 68 hourly movements at 11:00, 51 movements at 22:00, and steady operations throughout the day. This efficient utilization of slots underscores the airline’s goal of becoming a major player in Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape.
Riyadh Air’s expansion strategy is supported by its growing fleet of Airbus A321neo and Boeing 787-9 aircraft. These aircraft types provide the flexibility to serve a mix of long-haul and regional routes, catering to varying levels of demand.
In March 2023, Riyadh Air, along with SAUDIA, placed significant orders for Boeing 787 aircraft. Riyadh Air ordered 33 787-9 jets with an option for 33 additional units, while SAUDIA committed to 39 787-9 and 787-10 models.
More recently, Riyadh Air bolstered its fleet with a purchase of 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft in October 2024. This acquisition underscores the airline’s intent to deploy narrow-body aircraft on thinner routes, complementing its wide-body operations on high-demand routes.
Riyadh Air’s entry into the market aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify the country’s economy and establish Riyadh as a global business and tourism hub. The airline’s focus on enhancing connectivity and offering seamless travel experiences is expected to contribute significantly to these goals.
By catering to both leisure and business travelers, Riyadh Air aims to position itself as a key player in the Middle East’s competitive aviation market. Its operations will not only boost domestic and international travel but also support Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification efforts.
As Riyadh Air prepares to take to the skies in early 2025, the airline’s successful slot allocation and strategic fleet investments mark a strong start. With its focus on operational efficiency and customer-centric services, Riyadh Air is poised to redefine air travel in Saudi Arabia.
While its initial focus will be on regional and long-haul destinations, Riyadh Air’s future expansion plans are expected to target key global markets. This expansion will further enhance Saudi Arabia’s connectivity and contribute to the country’s vision of becoming a global aviation hub.
Riyadh Air’s entry into the aviation industry represents a transformative chapter for Saudi Arabia. By securing over 2,500 slots at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport and investing in a versatile fleet, the airline is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for air travel in the region. As the summer 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Riyadh Air as it takes its first steps toward becoming a major player in the global aviation market.
The post Riyadh Air Secures 2,574 Exclusive Slots At Riyadh King Khalid International Airport, Dominating As A Leading Airline In Saudi Arabia’s Thriving Aviation Industry appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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2,574 slots
King Khalid International Airport
Saudi Arabia’s"]https://www.travelandtourworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/art-6-body-img-1-850x478.jpg[/IMG]
Riyadh Air secures 2,574 slots at King Khalid International Airport, marking a breakthrough in its journey to lead Saudi Arabia’s thriving aviation industry.
Riyadh Air, the latest entrant to Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector, is gearing up to launch its much-anticipated operations in the summer of 2025. According to filings from Airport Coordination Limited (ACL), the airline has been allocated 2,574 slots at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH). This allocation represents 100% of the slots Riyadh Air requested for the upcoming International Air Transport Association (IATA) summer season, which begins on March 30, 2025.
The slot coordinator’s report revealed that airlines collectively requested 97,130 slots at RUH, with ACL approving only 38.7% of these requests. Riyadh Air’s success in securing its desired slots highlights the importance placed on the airline’s role in expanding the country’s aviation industry.
Establishing a Presence in Saudi Arabia’s Skies
Despite not operating any flights during the current winter season (October 27, 2024, to March 29, 2025), Riyadh Air has positioned itself as the fourth-largest airline at King Khalid International Airport. Its 2% share of total allocated flight movements trails behind SAUDIA, the national flag carrier, which dominates with a 50.9% share.
The startup carrier’s reach extends beyond Riyadh, as it has also received 702 slots at Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). However, Riyadh Air’s presence is yet to be established at major international hubs such as Dubai International Airport (DXB), London Heathrow Airport (LHR), and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), as no slot requests have been made for these airports thus far.
Unlocking Riyadh’s Potential as a Global Travel Hub
At Routes World in October, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas emphasized the untapped potential of Riyadh as a travel hub. He described the city as underserved in terms of international connectivity, with its youthful and digitally savvy population eager for travel opportunities abroad.
Douglas noted that the airline’s initial destination list, set to be unveiled in early 2025, would not feature surprises but would prioritize aircraft utilization efficiency. The meticulous allocation of slots and schedules is key to the airline’s strategy of optimizing operations.
Operational Strategy and Slot Utilization
The ACL report details Riyadh Air’s ambitious operational plans. On Mondays and Sundays, the airline aims to manage up to 352 aircraft movements, increasing to 374 on peak days. Slot timings indicate a concentrated focus on optimizing traffic during peak hours, with the busiest periods occurring between 11:00 and 12:00, when 64 movements are planned, and between 22:00 and 23:00, with 48 movements.
Tuesdays will also see robust activity, with 68 hourly movements at 11:00, 51 movements at 22:00, and steady operations throughout the day. This efficient utilization of slots underscores the airline’s goal of becoming a major player in Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape.
Fleet Expansion for Diverse Operations
Riyadh Air’s expansion strategy is supported by its growing fleet of Airbus A321neo and Boeing 787-9 aircraft. These aircraft types provide the flexibility to serve a mix of long-haul and regional routes, catering to varying levels of demand.
In March 2023, Riyadh Air, along with SAUDIA, placed significant orders for Boeing 787 aircraft. Riyadh Air ordered 33 787-9 jets with an option for 33 additional units, while SAUDIA committed to 39 787-9 and 787-10 models.
More recently, Riyadh Air bolstered its fleet with a purchase of 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft in October 2024. This acquisition underscores the airline’s intent to deploy narrow-body aircraft on thinner routes, complementing its wide-body operations on high-demand routes.
Driving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Goals
Riyadh Air’s entry into the market aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify the country’s economy and establish Riyadh as a global business and tourism hub. The airline’s focus on enhancing connectivity and offering seamless travel experiences is expected to contribute significantly to these goals.
By catering to both leisure and business travelers, Riyadh Air aims to position itself as a key player in the Middle East’s competitive aviation market. Its operations will not only boost domestic and international travel but also support Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification efforts.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
As Riyadh Air prepares to take to the skies in early 2025, the airline’s successful slot allocation and strategic fleet investments mark a strong start. With its focus on operational efficiency and customer-centric services, Riyadh Air is poised to redefine air travel in Saudi Arabia.
While its initial focus will be on regional and long-haul destinations, Riyadh Air’s future expansion plans are expected to target key global markets. This expansion will further enhance Saudi Arabia’s connectivity and contribute to the country’s vision of becoming a global aviation hub.
Riyadh Air’s entry into the aviation industry represents a transformative chapter for Saudi Arabia. By securing over 2,500 slots at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport and investing in a versatile fleet, the airline is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for air travel in the region. As the summer 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Riyadh Air as it takes its first steps toward becoming a major player in the global aviation market.
The post Riyadh Air Secures 2,574 Exclusive Slots At Riyadh King Khalid International Airport, Dominating As A Leading Airline In Saudi Arabia’s Thriving Aviation Industry appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
Continue reading...
