Aircraft Cabin Unveiling Indicates Riyadh Air's Competition Against Qatar and Emirates
Title: Riyadh Air takes the skies with luxurious 787-9 Dreamliner fleet
Subtitle: A new player in the Gulf airline market, Riyadh Air’s stunning cabins are set to rival the giants with state-of-the-art tech and stunning design.
By Sharon Petersen, 22 April, 2025
Get a sneak peek at Riyadh Air's opulent Dreamliner lineup, set to shake up the Gulf airline market. With a unique blend of luxury and tech, these guys are aiming for the stars.
The Cabin: Tents in the Sky
Riyadh Air's interiors, inspired by traditional Arabian tents, boast an incredible fusion of culture and comfort. The rich hues of indigo, mocha gold, lavender, veined stone, and sunset peach are sure to catch your eye and make you feel like royalty. No matter if you're cruising in business class or economy, Riyadh Air's design philosophy ensures a consistent level of luxury.
Challenging the Crown: Gulf Giants
Riyadh Air's entry into the competitive Gulf airline market has the industry in a tizzy. CEO Tony Douglas teased, "Our design is going to be one that everyone recognizes as Riyadh Air, with nobody else looking anything like that." While the spaciousness of their business seats may remind you of rivals like Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, Riyadh Air sets itself apart with full-height privacy panels and sliding doors in business class, offering an exclusive feel usually reserved for first class.
Business Class: Like Butting Heads with the Giants
Riyadh Air's business class is a powerhouse, with lie-flat seats, mood lighting, high-speed Wi-Fi, and some of the largest 4K OLED entertainment screens in the biz. Their three-class experience features:
- Business Elite (4 seats in Row 1): Dang, son! Imagine reclining in a Safran Unity Elite seat that barely resembles a conventional seat. A 1-2-1 layout makes it all feel extra roomy, with 78" fully flat beds, 52" walls, sliding privacy doors, 32" 4K OLED screens, and multiple power outlets including USB-A and USB-C.
- Business Class (24 seats): Similar comfort as Business Elite, with 22" 4K OLED screens and identical seat specs.
- Premium Economy (39 seats): With a 2-3-2 layout, 38" seat pitch, 19.2" width, and 15.6" screens, Premium Economy gives you the business class experience for a fraction of the price. Four USB-C ports per seat, privacy wings, and expanded storage take your flying experience to the next level.
- Economy Class (223 seats): Clean and comfortable, Economy Class offers a 31" pitch, 17.2" width, and 13.4" screens. You'll even find 2 USB-C ports per seat and six-way adjustable headrests for added comfort.
A Digital World: Tech at the Forefront
As the world's first digital-native airline, Riyadh Air integrates top-notch technology across the entire passenger journey. Free high-speed Wi-Fi will be available for all cabins via Viasat, allowing you to stream, browse, and even watch Live TV while enrolled in the airline's loyalty program. And for an audio experience that'll knock your socks off, Riyadh Air partners with Devialet, embedding premium speakers in business class headrests for an immersive soundscape.
And that's just the beginning! Riyadh Air's vision of luxury in the sky knows no bounds, aiming to set a new standard in the Gulf airline market. Stay tuned for more updates as they prepare to rock the world.
[Additional Info]- Saudi Arabia aims to become a leading tourist destination with investments in futuristic cities and luxury resorts, targeting 150 million tourists annually by 2030.- Read more about how Riyadh Air aims to compete without serving alcohol.
The entry of Riyadh Air, a new player in the Gulf airline industry, is causing a stir in the business of transportation, with their innovative fusion of luxury and technology challenging the existing giants of the airline news sector. With a unique approach to finance by investing in advanced tech and stunning design, Riyadh Air's 787-9 Dreamliner fleet is poised to shake up the Gulf airline market, redefining the standards in the finance and transportation industries.