Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new airline set to begin operations by the end of 2025, has announced a partnership with IBM to integrate WatsonX and its suite of AI solutions into the airline’s operations. This collaboration is a key step in Riyadh Air’s vision to become the world’s first digital-native carrier, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to serve 330 million passengers annually by 2030.
The partnership will focus on transforming customer experiences and optimizing flight operations by leveraging AI tools such as predictive maintenance, natural language processing, and data analytics. Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, emphasized that AI would be central to the airline’s future operations, driving intelligent customer interactions and operational efficiency.
IBM Consulting will serve as the primary digital integrator for WatsonX, ensuring the platform’s development with a focus on data security, privacy, and responsible AI adoption. Mohamad Ali, SVP of IBM Consulting, noted that embedding WatsonX at the heart of Riyadh Air’s operations would redefine air travel and set new industry standards. This collaboration is part of Riyadh Air’s goal to enhance traveler experiences, optimize operations, and shape the future of aviation in Saudi Arabia and globally.
The airline’s AI-first approach follows in the footsteps of other industry leaders like Lufthansa, which has implemented AI-driven predictive maintenance to reduce aircraft downtime.
