IBM and Riyadh Air have announced a partnership to introduce Riyadh Air, claiming to be the world’s first AI-native airline. Built entirely from the ground up without old patchwork systems, these AI-driven operations establish a new standard for enhancing guest and employee experiences while redefining innovation in the aviation sector.
Riyadh Air is leveraging IBM Consulting’s extensive industry knowledge and technical capabilities, a wide partner network, and IBM watsonx Orchestrate to function as an AI-native entity from the outset.
According to the announcement, initial flights are already in progress, and its first commercial service is anticipated in early 2026.
“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 at IBM Consulting.
Riyadh Air is remoulding its travel experience by integrating generative and agentic AI into its operations to create seamless interactions between technology and human service. A personalised digital workplace will support employees with a chat-first platform for streamlined HR processes as the airline plans to double its workforce.
AI-powered mobile applications will enhance the employee and guest journey, using IBM watsonx Orchestrate to develop a proactive concierge experience that anticipates guest needs. Additionally, AI-driven voice bots and agent-assist tools will enable customer care agents to deliver personalised support, enhancing the traveller experience while upholding human values.
“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 at Riyadh Air.
According to the statement, the two companies have partnered to establish an AI-driven enterprise with the digital strategy and operational models to extend Saudi Arabia’s connectivity to over 100 destinations, serving millions of travellers by 2030.
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