Keynote interview: Tony Douglas on launching one of the world’s most ambitious new airlines
Aviation Festival Asia
18 - 19 February 2025 | Suntec, Singapore | #aviationfestasia | For Asia's aviation industry.
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At Aviation Festival Asia 2024, Tony Douglas, CEO, Riyadh Air shared what goes on behind the scenes launching one of the world’s most ambitious new airlines.
During the 15-minute keynote interview, Douglas stressed the unique benefits of launching a start up airline in Saudia Arabia, highlighting the young, digitally literate population (average age 29) and the pressing need for enhanced connectivity between the Kingdom and the rest of the world.
Douglas shared the airline’s goal of connecting to over 100 destinations within the first five years, emphasising the importance of strategic partnerships. While the airline reportedly will not be rushing to join a major alliance, it is keen to engage with specific, targeted partners to build global connectivity.
Douglas also promised an “obsessional attention to guest experience” with personalised services epitomised by proactively adjusting cutlery for left-handed passengers. In terms of tech, the airline’s digital first strategy includes leveraging biometrics for passengers’ boarding pass, travel documents, and loyalty profile. Without the constraints of legacy technology, Douglas described Riyadh Air as primed to adopt and optimise the wide range of advance tech solutions, creating a seamless experience for its passengers.
The conversation also looks at the airline’s broader journey so far and its timeline for the future including aircraft orders and more. Watch the full keynote interview below.
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