Saudi Startup is Happy to Catch the Fallout From the US-China Trade War

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas announced Monday that the airline is ready and willing to snap up Boeing aircraft originally meant for Chinese airlines, assuming trade tensions between the United States and China continue to block deliveries.

Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market conference, Douglas emphasized that “should” Boeing need a quick solution, the Saudi carrier would “happily take them all.”

Boeing, apparently tired of waiting for China’s good graces, recently repatriated a third jet back to the United States. The manufacturer is now openly exploring options to resell dozens of jets, and helpfully reminded investors that the jet market is so tight these days, finding takers will be no problem. Riyadh Air, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is more than willing to help solve Boeing’s "problem" out of the kindness of its own heart.

Riyadh Air has been shopping aggressively ahead of its launch, which was originally planned for spring 2025 but is now looking like October, at the earliest. It has purchased 60 Airbus A321neo Family aircraft and has signed a deal for up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with 39 jets being firm orders.

Douglas also claimed that global economic uncertainty has not dented travel demand to and from Riyadh. He also said the airline will announce an additional order for wide-body jets this summer, further expanding its starter fleet.

Riyadh Air plans to double its 500-person workforce within a year, hiring pilots and cabin crew as more aircraft (hopefully) roll off the assembly lines. Meanwhile, Douglas noted that the recent reopening of flights between the UAE and Syria, after a modest regime change, could signal that things are “moving in the right direction.”

Riyadh Air remains optimistic, but whether that’s due to dumb luck, good strategy, or a kingdom-sized checkbook is up for debate.

FMI: www.riyadhair.com