The government of Saudi Arabia plans to launch the new airline RIA later this year. Initially, it was said that it should start scheduled flight operations in 2024. Now everything should go much faster.

Initially, RIA will fly within the country and serve destinations in neighboring countries. About 30 billion US dollars will be made available via the Public Investment Fund in order to develop Riyadh into an international air traffic hub. With Avilease you also have an intragroup lessor. With the help of the new carrier, they also want to compete with Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.

Local media Gulf Insider and Arabian Business unanimously report that preparations are well advanced. The ramp-up of the route network is to start in the next few weeks or months. About forty Airbus A350s will be used for the planned long-haul flights. These are to be ordered through Saudia, which is also state-owned, and they are also hoping to get one or the other aircraft. It is expected that Ria will operate with up to 75 long-haul aircraft and that one or two orders will also be placed with Boeing.