Riyadh Air, owned by the Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, said it is considering launching direct flights to China, linking with major first -tier Chinese cities such as Beijing in 2026.
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air made the remark in a group interview in Beijing recently.
Riyadh Air has no intention competing with Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways for transfer passengers, and it aims to improve the connectivity to the world and promote economic growth in Saudi Arabia, Douglas said.
Douglas said direct flights from Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia to the world were inadequate, especially to China, adding that it is inconvenient for the large Chinese community based in the country to return to Riyadh given the absence of direct flights.
Douglas said the company is discussing with the Chinese aviation regulator and carriers to see how to provide better services to open up more corridors between China and Saudi Arabia.
