Riyadh Air â Saudi Arabiaâs new digitally-native carrier â has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei, which brings together the formerâs global growth vision and the latterâs technological expertise to elevate how guests discover, book and experience travel. The partners have already explored new opportunities in smart aviation and digital innovation, and this MoU marks the next significant step in the airlineâs ambition to become one of the worldâs most digitally advanced carriers.
Riyadh Air and Huawei will adopt a phased approach to developing the airlineâs next-generation digital ecosystem, beginning with a focus on China and other key international markets. With key milestones achieved, Huawei will now support Riyadh Airâs broader digital transformation, leveraging its expertise in cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), mobility services, and integrated digital ecosystems.
20% of smartphone users in China use Huawei devices, according to TechInsights, giving Riyadh Air the opportunity to leverage Huaweiâs technology and local reach to build a full, market-specific digital ecosystem, tailored to Chinaâs unique social media and market environment, delivering seamless, personalised and data-driven travel experiences.
As the partnership evolves, collaboration will expand into areas of digital innovation, including marketing, loyalty, cloud services and advanced technologies, with a focus on co-creating future-focused digital solutions that enrich the travel experience and shape a new era of smart, connected aviation.
The focus on the Chinese market reflects its importance to Riyadh Airâs network strategy to reach over 100 global destinations.
âChina market is an important part of Riyadh Airâs global expansion and essential to Saudi Arabiaâs tourism growth,â said Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer, Riyadh Air. âAs the Kingdom raises its target to 150 million tourists by 2030 our partnership with Huawei strengthens our ability to deliver the digital, seamless and personalised journey Chinese travellers expect.â
With a goal of connecting to 100 destinations by 2030, Riyadh Air sees strong digital partnerships as essential. By combining its global ambitions with Huaweiâs technological expertise, the airline is set to shape the travel experience, enhance connectivity, and help shape the future of smart, digitally enabled air travel.
âWe have found a true partner in Riyadh Air, a digital-native, future-focused national carrier,â said Peak Yin, CEO KSA, HUAWEI Consumer Business Group (CBG). âHuawei is committed to supporting Riyadh Air with our best global technologies to co-create world-class digital experiences for travellers from China â and around the world. This partnership is designed as a seamless and continuously evolving collaboration, enabling us to innovate together, elevating every stage of the travel experience and pushing the boundaries of what technology can bring to the aviation industry â and its guests.â
