Tony Douglas allows himself a moment of nostalgia as the demeaning roar of an F35 fighter jet washes over the Paris air show where he was responsible for the UK government agency charged with buying planes.
But, now he is in charge of a different aviation proposition leading to the launch of a new commercial airline in the Saudi Arabian state.
Riyadh Air, owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund, was first revealed in March alongside a provisional order for up to 72 Boeing 787 airplanes.
The carrier is showing its new purple livery to the industry this week at the Paris Air show after making its debut last week in the Saudi capital, with which it shares its name.
As per US intelligence agencies, it forms efforts to diversify its economy away from oil production under Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince who has taken a central role in ruling the country and allegedly approving the murder of regime critic Jamal Khashoggi.
That murder in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 cast a cloud over Prince Mohammed’s reign for many years, but the prince has continued with plans for a new 100; mile-long megacity called Neom and massively increased tourism.
However, many of its routes are geared toward passengers traveling to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Douglas, who previously led Etihad, insists that Riyadh is not aiming to compete with those other airlines. Instead, he emphasizes the demand from Saudi Arabia’s iPhone-wielding population.
Saudi Arabia is one of many markets expecting booming aviation demand. European plane maker Airbus declared a deal with Indian carrier Indigo for 500 of its best-selling A320 at the Paris show on Monday, which is thought to be the most significant single order in history.
Moreover, Riyadh Air will have a sustainability advantage because it will only have the newest, more efficient planes. Douglas states that sustainable aviation fuel made from plants or using chemical processes powered by renewable electricity will play an important role. However, he says he cannot commit to using a certain proportion of the fuel of uncertain future supply. Besides, the new airline’s local rivals are playing down the threat of a new player with deep pockets.
According to a Financial Times report, Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates airline, told a travel conference, ” I don’t see this as a threat to us.”
Douglas also stated that Riyadh Air Will not be content with relying on its wealthy owner. ” We cannot tolerate inefficiency because all that does is catch you up in the future. Commercial addition is so competitive; if you start lazy, you will die”.
