Latest news with #YasirAlRumayyan


Asharq Al-Awsat
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Arab Golf Federation Launches Elite Scholarship Camp in Riyadh
The Arab Golf Federation has announced the launch of the 'elite sport scholarship camp,' one of its flagship strategic initiatives aimed at developing a new generation of Arab golf champions, empowering emerging Arab golfers and paving the way for them to reach the highest levels of international competition by 2035. Outstanding players will be selected to join a professional training pathway in partnership with the renowned IMG Academy, SPA reported. The camp will take place over four days at the Riyadh Golf Club, bringing together 16 male and female players from across the Arab world. These athletes were carefully chosen based on their performances in regional and international tournaments, as well as their current rankings. President of the Arab Golf Federation Yasir Al-Rumayyan said: "We are committed to establishing a strong and sustainable infrastructure for golf in the Arab world. At the same time, we are working closely with leading international partners to ensure our most promising young players receive the highest standards of training and professionalism."


Gulf Business
17-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Riyadh Air signs deal for 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at Paris Air Show
Image: Riyadh Air Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new national carrier, announced an order for 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft during the 55th annual Paris Air Show, marking a major step forward in the kingdom's ambitious aviation expansion. The agreement includes 25 firm orders with options for an additional 25 aircraft. The signing ceremony took place at Le Bourget Airport and was attended by senior officials including PIF governor and Riyadh Air chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Riyadh Air CEO 'Our new national carrier is set to launch in the near future and represents a key component of the kingdom's infrastructure,' said Al-Rumayyan. 'It will connect Riyadh to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.' He added that the A350-1000 acquisition reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a global aviation hub. Image: Riyadh Air Riyadh Air aims to enhance international connectivity with top in class fleet The airline's vision is to offer best-in-class service while playing a strategic role in economic diversification, in line with PIF's strategy to unlock high-growth sectors. The launch of Riyadh Air is a key enabler of the National Aviation Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy, which aim to enhance international connectivity, boost Riyadh's standing as a global business destination, expand air cargo capacity, and support the kingdom's growing tourism sector by increasing access to cultural and natural attractions. The A350-1000s, Airbus' largest and most modern wide-body aircraft, will support Riyadh Air's long-haul network and global ambitions. In other news, earlier this month, Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM signed a MoU, marking a significant step forward in global connectivity for guests traveling between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam, and destinations far beyond. Subject to regulatory approvals, the collaboration aims to gradually introduce a wide range of benefits for guests and to unlock new opportunities across Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and Saudi Arabia.


Arabian Business
16-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Riyadh Air orders up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 jets to ahead of 2025 launch
Riyadh Air has signed a major agreement with Airbus to purchase up to 50 A350-1000 aircraft, reinforcing its ambitious plans to become a global aviation leader. The deal, unveiled at the 55th Paris Airshow, includes 25 firm orders and purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft. The agreement was signed at a ceremony attended by top aviation and government leaders, including Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Chairman of Riyadh Air, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, and Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer. Riyadh Air orders up to 50 Airbus planes With an operational range of more than 16,000km, the Airbus A350-1000 will empower Riyadh Air to connect the Saudi capital with major cities worldwide, supporting its goal of flying to more than 100 global destinations by 2030. The aircraft's range and capacity align perfectly with Saudi Arabia's plans to host global events including Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF Governor and Chairman of Riyadh Air said: 'Our new national carrier is set to take to the skies in the near future, and as a fundamental element of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure, will connect our capital city to over 100 international destinations around the globe by 2030. 'With its outstanding range, adding the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet demonstrates the strategic contribution of Riyadh Air in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub.' Riyadh Air will begin operations in 2025 with a three-type aircraft fleet, of which the A350-1000 will serve as a cornerstone. With up to 182 aircraft now on order, the airline aims to offer best-in-class passenger experiences through innovative cabin design, stylish First-Class options, and state-of-the-art digital and entertainment systems. Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said: 'Riyadh Air is making significant progress as we move towards our first flight later this year and agreeing this deal for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is an important statement of intent. 'Already in 2025, we have received our AOC and unveiled our new cabin interiors and having now completed our initial three aircraft orders, we are in a position to fulfil our ambitious network goals. 'We play an important role in the evolution of the Saudi aviation ecosystem with the aim to create 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute almost $20bn to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP.' Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said: 'We are honoured to support Riyadh Air's bold vision with the A350-1000, the world's most modern and efficient widebody aircraft. 'This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation and decarbonization whilst connecting the vibrant Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the world! Riyadh Air's selection of the A350-1000 underscores the aircraft's unmatched capability to deliver premium passenger experience and operational excellence—perfectly aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030.' Backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, PIF, Riyadh Air is a key driver of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and elevate its global connectivity. The airline is expected to play a significant role in: Boosting international passenger and cargo traffic Supporting the Saudi National Transport and Logistics Strategy Enabling tourism by linking travellers with Saudi Arabia's cultural, historic, and natural sites Positioning Riyadh as a global business and travel hub With operations launching in late 2025, Riyadh Air is poised to become one of the most advanced carriers in the world, setting new standards in aviation experience, sustainability, and connectivity.


Arab News
16-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Riyadh Air orders up to 50 Airbus A350 jets to expand long-haul fleet
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air has signed a deal to acquire up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft as it gears up to launch operations later this year. The agreement, signed at the 55th Paris Air Show, includes 25 firm orders and purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft. The deal supports Riyadh Air's plan to build a wide-body fleet capable of serving over 100 destinations globally by 2030. Owned by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air was unveiled in March 2023 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of Saudi Arabia's strategy to become a global aviation hub by expanding connectivity to over 250 destinations and tripling annual passenger traffic to 330 million. In a statement, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF governor and chairman of Riyadh Air, said: 'Our new national carrier is set to take to the skies in the near future, and as a fundamental element of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure, will connect our capital city to over 100 international destinations around the globe by 2030. He added: 'With its outstanding range, adding the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet demonstrates the strategic contribution of Riyadh Air in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub.' The A350-1000s, with an operational range exceeding 16,000 km, will enable long-haul connections ahead of high-profile events such as Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034. In April, the airline received its Air Operator Certificate from the General Authority of Civil Aviation, authorizing it to commence flight operations after meeting all regulatory, safety, and operational requirements. 'Riyadh Air is making significant progress as we move towards our first flight later this year and agreeing this deal for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is an important statement of intent,' said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. The airline's launch supports Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to diversify its economy. According to the General Authority for Civil Aviation, the aviation industry generated $32.2 billion in tourism receipts and supported more than 958,000 jobs in 2023 — 241,000 in aviation and 717,000 in tourism-related sectors. 'We play an important role in the evolution of the Saudi aviation ecosystem with the aim to create 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute almost $20 billion to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP,' added Douglas. The sector is a key pillar of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to raise its gross domestic product contribution from 6 percent to 10 percent by 2030. Christian Scherer, CEO of commercial aircraft at Airbus, said: 'This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation and decarbonization whilst connecting the vibrant Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the world!'


Zawya
16-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Riyadh Air announces order of up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 large widebody aircraft at Paris Air Show
Agreement complements Riyadh Air's existing 132 aircraft on order, bringing the total fleet to up to 182 Airline is moving closer to its maiden flight in 2025, having recently received its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) and is set to announce its first destinations in the coming months Paris & Riyadh: Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today announced an order for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the 55th Edition of Paris Airshow. The agreement includes 25 firm orders with purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft. The deal was agreed with a signing ceremony at Paris Le Bourget today, by Riyadh Air Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida and Airbus EVP Sales of Commercial Aircraft Business, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry in the presence of PIF Governor and Riyadh Air Chairman His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, CEO of Riyadh Air Tony Douglas and CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer. The A350-1000 aircraft has an operational range of more than 16,000 kms, allowing Riyadh Air's network to reach the farthest corners of the globe and bringing major cities within reach. The airline expects to serve over 100 destinations around the globe by 2030, ensuring Riyadh, a G20 capital city, develops strong connectivity to the world in advance of major events such as Riyadh Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034TM. Riyadh Air has chosen the Airbus A350-1000 to further optimize its fleet, capacity and operations, while minimizing the number of aircraft types in the fleet. With this new order of up to 50 planes, the start-up airline now has up to 182 aircraft on order and will operate a three-type fleet with flights set to commence later in 2025. With a large seat capacity, the airline intends to offer guests a stylish and exclusive First-Class cabin on the Airbus A350 aircraft to complement its recently revealed Business Class and cabin interior, raising the bar to deliver an exceptional and innovative guest experience. His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF Governor and Chairman of Riyadh Air said: 'Our new national carrier is set to take to the skies in the near future, and as a fundamental element of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure, will connect our capital city to over 100 international destinations around the globe by 2030. With its outstanding range, adding the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet demonstrates the strategic contribution of Riyadh Air in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub.' 'Riyadh Air is making significant progress as we move towards our first flight later this year and agreeing this deal for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is an important statement of intent,' said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. 'Already in 2025, we have received our AOC and unveiled our new cabin interiors and having now completed our initial three aircraft orders, we are in a position to fulfil our ambitious network goals. We play an important role in the evolution of the Saudi aviation ecosystem with the aim to create 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute almost $20 billion to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP.' 'We are honored to support Riyadh Air's bold vision with the A350-1000, the world's most modern and efficient widebody aircraft. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation and decarbonization whilst connecting the vibrant Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the world! Riyadh Air's selection of the A350-1000 underscores the aircraft's unmatched capability to deliver premium passenger experience and operational excellence—perfectly aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030.', commented Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer Commercial Aircraft at Airbus Riyadh Air aims to be a leading airline and will equip its fleet with the latest and most advanced digital features, providing an innovative guest experience that is the best in class in terms of aircraft cabin interior design, in addition to the latest generation of entertainment and connectivity systems on board. The establishment of Riyadh Air aligns with PIF's strategy to unlock promising sectors locally to support economic diversification. The airline will provide tourists from around the world the opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia's cultural and natural attractions and further establish Riyadh as a preeminent business hub to the world. Riyadh Air will also serve as a catalyst for the Saudi National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy by increasing air transport options, raising cargo capacity and, in turn, growing international passenger traffic. About Riyadh Air Riyadh Air, a PIF company, is a world-class airline. Launched in March 2023, the airline will be a digitally led, full-service airline that adopts the best global sustainability and safety practices across its advanced fleet of aircraft. Riyadh Air will equip its aircraft with the most advanced, state-of-the-art features with innovative, best-in-class cabin interiors and experiences, including next generation digital in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity solutions. Riyadh Air will connect guests to over 100 destinations around the globe by 2030 through offering an exceptional guest experience with an authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart. Website: For any inquiries, Riyadh Air Media Relations: Media@