Riyadh Air Teams Up with IBM to Introduce the World's First AI-Driven Airline
Riyadh Air's partnership with IBM marks a significant step in revolutionizing the aviation industry with AI technology.
Riyadh Air Teams Up with IBM to Introduce the World’s First AI-Driven Airline
Launch of an Innovative Aviation Era
Riyadh Air has made a groundbreaking announcement during IBM Think Riyadh 2025—revealing its new identity as the world’s first AI-native airline. Founded from the ground up without legacy technology, Riyadh Air aims to redefine passenger and operational experiences with innovative AI technologies.
Riyadh Air is collaborating with IBM to leverage its comprehensive industry know-how and advanced technological resources, using IBM Watsonx Orchestrate to function as an AI-centric establishment from inception. This project involves 59 workstreams and partnerships with over 60 firms, including major players like Adobe and Apple. By utilizing IBM Consulting’s Advantage platform, Riyadh Air is prepared to roll out its complete technology strategy.
With initial operations already commencing and plans for its first commercial service slated for early 2026, this partnership marks a pivotal milestone in the journey of both companies.
“We had a clear choice—be the last airline built on legacy technology or the first built on the platforms that will define the next decade of aviation,” said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer, Riyadh Air. “With IBM, we’ve stripped out fifty years of legacy in a single stroke. Riyadh Air isn’t just built for today; it’s built for the future and creating a pathway for many airlines to follow in the years to come.”
“By embedding AI into the very foundation of its operations, Riyadh Air is setting a new blueprint for what it means to build a modern, adaptive enterprise from the ground up,” remarked Mohamad Ali, Senior Vice President, IBM Consulting. “As a company born in the AI era, Riyadh Air is redefining what’s possible in aviation, and it’s been a privilege for IBM to help make that vision a reality.”
Enhancing Employee and Traveler Interactions
In the AI era, Riyadh Air is reimagining employee engagement and traveler services. By integrating generative and agentic AI capabilities within operational processes, the airline seeks to create a seamless environment that enhances travel experiences.
- Employee Experience: Riyadh Air plans to establish a custom digital workspace powered by AI agents, offering simplified HR access and accelerating employee self-service capabilities as it expands its workforce by 100% in the next year.
- Crew Enablement: AI-enhanced mobile applications will foster interconnected journeys for employees and guests. The airline will utilize IBM Watsonx Orchestrate to develop an AI-driven concierge system that offers tailored suggestions to staff based on guest interactions.
- Customer Care: Digital solutions rooted in human-driven values will aid customer service representatives in delivering personalized experiences through contextual insight.
Innovation Through Operational Efficiency
Riyadh Air is dedicated to efficiency and is not bound by outdated systems. With a clean slate, the airline is employing AI to uncover new revenue opportunities and fuel innovation across its services.
IBM Consulting has implemented a performance management suite to consolidate financial, operational, and commercial data, streamlining planning, budgeting, and forecasting. This comprehensive approach is expected to improve operational efficiency, enhance route profitability, and boost overall performance.
Together, IBM and Riyadh Air aspire to establish an AI-native enterprise equipped to expand the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s connectivity to over 100 international destinations, catering to millions of travelers by the year 2030.
