In a groundbreaking move, Riyadh Air has partnered with CellPoint Digital to launch a new digital payment solution. This innovative partnership aims to provide passengers with a seamless cross-border payment experience, enhancing the overall travel experience. Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest national airline, is set to commence commercial operations in 2025, and this digital-first approach is a key differentiator in the competitive aviation market.
Riyadh Air’s collaboration with CellPoint Digital brings cutting-edge payment technology to the forefront. The Payment Orchestration platform developed by CellPoint Digital is designed specifically for the unique challenges faced by global airlines. This platform enables Riyadh Air to process local and cross-border transactions efficiently, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free payment experience for passengers.
The intelligent routing feature of the Payment Orchestration platform takes into account various factors such as pricing, processing, and acceptance currency, as well as the geographical location of the processor. This increases the success rate of transactions and minimizes the number of declined transactions, preventing customers from abandoning their bookings. By offering a wide variety of payment options, Riyadh Air aims to cater to both international and domestic passengers.
Strategic Vision and Goals
Riyadh Air’s digital-first vision is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader mission to reinvent itself as a global aviation hub. The airline, based at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, aims to connect the country to 100 regional and international destinations by 2030. This ambitious goal is supported by a $30 billion investment, which is expected to create over 200,000 jobs.
The airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Peter Bellew, has announced plans to recruit around 300 pilots and cabin crew members by spring 2025. This recruitment drive is essential for the successful launch of commercial operations. Riyadh Air’s innovative approach to payments is a key component of its strategy to disrupt the Saudi Arabian commercial aviation market, which is currently dominated by legacy players like Emirates and Etihad.
Enhancing Passenger Experience
The partnership with CellPoint Digital is not just about technology; it’s about enhancing the overall passenger experience. By prioritizing optimized transaction routing and seamless cross-border payments, Riyadh Air ensures that passengers have a smooth and enjoyable journey from booking to boarding. The digital payment solution is a testament to Riyadh Air’s commitment to providing a fully digital experience onboard.
Adam Boukadida, Riyadh Air’s CFO, emphasized the importance of having a payments partner with in-depth knowledge of air travel. CellPoint Digital’s expertise and extensive consultancy services have been instrumental in supporting Riyadh Air’s quest to secure international partnerships. This collaboration is expected to drive revenue for Riyadh Air and provide passengers with their preferred payment options, giving the airline more control over its cash flow and costs.
