IBM has finalized a strategic agreement with Riyadh Air to incorporate watsonx, IBM’s suite of AI solutions, along with IBM Consulting AI services. This collaboration is part of Riyadh Air’s strategic move to elevate customer and employee experiences ahead of its first flights in late 2025, making it the world’s first digital-native airline.

The partnership was announced during the FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 Summit, with key figures from both companies presenting their commitment to innovation in aviation. Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, stated:

“Riyadh Air is more than just an airline; it is a gateway to new opportunities for travelers from the Kingdom and beyond. Our goal is to provide seamless, world-class travel experiences through innovative solutions and industry-leading standards.”

This agreement aims to make Riyadh Air not only a leader in air travel but also an exemplar of AI integration within its operations. IBM will be responsible for the deployment of watsonx and collaborate on AI use cases to enhance service automation and digital transformation. Mohamad Ali remarked:

“Embedding watsonx into Riyadh Air operations is a game-changer, setting precedents in aviation.”

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Riyadh Air aims to handle 330 million passengers annually, reinforcing its amalgamated identity as a digital-native airline featuring intelligent customer interactions and efficient flight operations.