Saudi Arabia’s new airline just showed the world what comfort looks like at 40,000 feet—and it’s aiming straight for the top tier of global aviation.
It’s not every day an airline debuts a four-class cabin on a 787 Dreamliner, but Riyadh Air isn’t going for ordinary. As the startup carrier prepares for takeoff later this year, it’s already making waves with its bold interior reveal.
Big Promises, Bigger Beds
The most eye-catching feature? A pair of center seats that transform into a double bed. Yes, a real one. That’s part of the new “Business Elite” section—just four suites in total, fitted with privacy doors, lie-flat seats, and some serious space.
Right behind that is a more traditional business class setup, though still plush—24 lie-flat “Unity” seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
This layout is no accident. Every element is a flex: from the sleek finishes to the sliding doors. Safran, the French seat manufacturer, provided the hardware for both business cabins.
“We wanted something bold, something indulgent,” CEO Tony Douglas said. “The idea is to make Riyadh Air a lifestyle, not just an airline.”
Premium Economy Gets a Polish
While the front of the plane is clearly out to wow, the airline hasn’t skimped on the rest. Premium economy will feature 39 seats arranged 2-3-2, all built by Recaro.
This isn’t your average mid-tier seat, either. Think wider cushions, adjustable headrests, legroom you can stretch in. Not lie-flat, sure—but far from basic.
One quick glance tells you Riyadh Air’s designers were paying attention.
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Premium economy seats include USB-C ports, adjustable footrests, and 13-inch 4K screens
It’s not Emirates-level glitz, but it’s aiming to redefine what “premium” means in this category.
Economy Cabin, But Make It Comfortable
Now, to economy. With 223 seats packed into a 3-3-3 layout, it sounds like the usual squeeze. But Riyadh Air is banking on quality over quantity.
Each Recaro seat includes an HD screen, personal device holder, and generous recline. They’re going for “Netflix binge on the Red Sea” vibes.
Just 31 inches of pitch, though—that’s the industry standard. So, while the soft touches are there, taller passengers might still do a bit of knees-to-seatback math.
The airline says all its Dreamliners will have identical interiors. Standardization means consistent expectations, whether you’re flying Jeddah to Jakarta or Riyadh to Rome.
All Eyes on Riyadh Air’s First Flight
The interiors are just the latest milestone in Riyadh Air’s rapid rise. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the airline is a key pillar of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the kingdom’s economy.
The new carrier recently secured its air operator’s certificate—a crucial hurdle before launching commercial services.
And it’s not starting small. The airline plans to operate up to 72 Boeing 787s in the coming years, with more than 30 already on order.
CEO Douglas, formerly of Etihad Airways, is steering the airline with a clear goal: make Riyadh a serious global hub. He’s banking on demand from both regional travelers and international flyers looking for a new alternative to Emirates and Qatar Airways.
Who’s the Airline Really Competing With?
Let’s be honest: it’s all about the Gulf Three—Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad. Each has a stranglehold on luxury and scale.
For one, the airline is younger. It doesn’t carry the legacy baggage or bloated operations of older carriers. It can start fresh, skip the missteps, and lean into tech and design from day one.
And unlike Saudia, the Kingdom’s existing flag carrier, Riyadh Air is unabashedly international in ambition.
Here’s how the cabin stacks up in terms of seating:
| Cabin Class | Seats | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Business Elite | 4 | 1-2-1 |
| Business Class | 24 | 1-2-1 |
| Premium Economy | 39 | 2-3-2 |
| Economy Class | 223 | 3-3-3 |
In total, 290 passengers. A tight number for a Dreamliner, but that’s kind of the point. More space per passenger, more room for amenities, more wow.
Will Travelers Bite?
That’s the big question. Gulf airlines have already set the bar for luxury. Can Riyadh Air meet it? Or better yet, raise it?
The four-class layout is ambitious. The branding? Slick. But the real test will be price and service. And whether passengers buy into the idea of Riyadh as a new global transfer point.
Still, the buzz is building. First impressions matter—and so far, Riyadh Air’s first look has a lot of folks curious.
