Riyadh Air and IBM have confirmed progress in their partnership, marking Riyadh Air as the first airline built as AI-native. The announcement was made at IBM Think Riyadh 2025. The airline has been designed without legacy technology, with AI used across operations to support both customers and employees and introduce a new operating model for aviation.
Riyadh Air is using IBM Consulting, IBM watsonx Orchestrate and a wide partner network to support its AI-led operating model. IBM Consulting coordinated 59 workstreams and more than 60 partners, including Adobe, Apple, FLYR and Microsoft. IBM used its AI delivery platform, IBM Consulting Advantage, to support the execution of the airline’s full technology approach.
The partnership between IBM and Riyadh Air has reached a key stage as flight testing continues and commercial flights approach their planned start in early 2026.
“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,” said 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.”
Riyadh Air aims to improve both employee workflows and customer interaction using AI. With generative and agentic AI embedded in systems, the airline aims to create a working model where technology and people work in one environment.
- Employee Experience: Riyadh Air plans to introduce a personalised digital workplace with AI agents. Employees will use one chat-based system for HR access and core tasks as the airline expands its workforce over the next year.
- Crew Enablement: AI-driven mobile tools will link staff and passenger information. IBM watsonx Orchestrate will support an AI concierge for employees that offers proactive and context-based actions. Cabin and ground staff may receive prompts to assist travellers, such as suggesting fast-track help to passengers at risk of missing flights.
- Customer Care: AI voice tools and agent support systems will help customer service staff use passenger data to offer more relevant help based on individual needs.
Riyadh Air has designed its systems to support operational efficiency from the start. Without older systems in place, the airline is using AI to create new revenue models and direct resources toward innovation.
IBM Consulting deployed an enterprise performance system that connects financial, commercial and operational data. The system supports faster planning, forecasting and analysis to improve decisions. This aims to improve route planning, business performance and operational efficiency.
Riyadh Air and IBM have created an AI-native operating model that supports the airline’s plan to reshape aviation and improve connectivity across Saudi Arabia. The airline intends to expand to more than 100 destinations and serve millions of passengers by 2030.