Saudi Arabia attacks Emirates and Co.

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Mohammed bin Salman (37) wants to take his country to the top of the world. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, known by its acronym MBS, is trying to revive the country’s economy with huge projects such as the mega desert city of “Neom”. His big goal: to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil.

On Sunday, MBS had a partial success: it officially announced the founding of Saudi Arabia’s second national airline. The name “Riyadh Air” refers to the capital city Riyadh. Riyadh Air, together with the national carrier Saudia Airlines, will conquer the skies for the kingdom.

That’s why MBS needs two airlines

The crown prince has ambitious goals. By 2030, the two airlines should connect the world to Saudi Arabia. MBS wants to count 330 million passengers a year – three times today. It also wants to quadruple its freight volume in the same period. And connect 250 destinations to his country – there are currently 99.

These growth plans are also why MBS is now launching a second national airline. This allows Saudia Airlines to focus on the metropolis of Jeddah as the starting point for its visits to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. And Riyadh Air to the capital.

Attack on Gulf Airlines

It goes without saying that the biggest competition for the new Saudi airline will be Gulf Airlines Emirates, Qatar and Etihad. It is not yet clear how Riyadh Air plans to win over Western customers with low prices or new quality standards. Currently Emirates and Co. It is clear that many Saudi customers flying around the world will switch to domestic airlines. This should hurt Gulf airlines.

But it’s not that far yet. MBS’s new airline is still missing flights at the moment. Negotiations continue with both Boeing and Airbus. If the Saudi crown prince does what he wants, everything should go as quickly as possible. A good year is likely after Riyadh Air’s first flight.

Source :Blick