Aircraft Cabin Unveiling Indicates Rivalry of Saudi Arabia's Flyadeal Against Qatar Airways and Emirates
Flight to the Future: Riyadh Air's Stunning Dreamliner Interior Revealed
Sharon Peterson
April 22, 2025
Saudi Arabia's Aviation Pioneer
Join us as we take a peek inside the visually striking interior of Riyadh Air's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, showcasing their impressive five-star service. Inspired by the intricate canopies of traditional Arabian tents, the cabin design resonates with rich shades of indigo, mocha gold, lavender, veined stone, and sunset peach, embodying Saudi heritage and challenging established Gulf carriers like Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.
Stepping Into the Gulf Airline Arena
As Riyadh Air gears up to contest industry titans such as Qatar Airways and Emirates, Tony Douglas, CEO of the carrier, extols the unique visual identity of their design: "One glance, and you'll know it's Riyadh Air, as no one else's has ever looked like this!"
Though the lavishness of its Business seats echoes Gulf contemporaries, Riyadh Air pushes boundaries with full-height privacy panels and sliding doors, offering the exclusivity typically reserved for First Class in Business Class. The cabin is also equipped with lie-flat seats, mood lighting, high-speed Wi-Fi, and expansive 4K OLED entertainment screens.
Three-Tiered Cabin Experience
Aboard each Riyadh Air 787-9, 290 guests will enjoy a three-class configuration:
- Business Elite (Row 1): Offers Safran Unity Elite seats in a 1-2-1 layout with 78" fully flat beds, 52" privacy walls, sliding doors, 32" 4K OLED screens, multiple power outlets, and swanky amenities including USB-A and USB-C ports.
- Business (24 seats): Similar comfort and aesthetic as Business Elite, but with 22" 4K OLED screens and identical seat specifications.
- Premium Economy (39 seats): Arranged in a 2-3-2 layout with 38" seat pitch, 19.2" width, and 15.6" screens. Providing premium comfort with enhanced entertainment options and boasting USB-C ports per seat, privacy wings, and extra storage.
- Economy (223 seats): Seated in a 3-3-3 layout with a 31" pitch, 17.2" width, and 13.4" screens. Equipped with 2 USB-C ports per seat and headrests that can be adjusted six ways.
Leading the Digital Aviation Revolution
Riyadh Air, the world's first digital-native airline, entwines state-of-the-art technology across the entire passenger journey. Witness free, top-tier Wi-Fi powered by Viasat, enabling guests to stream, browse the web, scroll through social media, and watch Live TV, accessible only to those enrolled in the airline's loyalty program.
The airline's innovative collaboration with Devialet also makes its debut, as premium speakers are embedded into Business Class headrests to deliver immersive, high-fidelity audio.
Design with a Purpose
Every detail present in the cabin has been meticulously crafted to enhance the overall comfort and style. Seats, covered in premium fabrics, tufted stitching, and plush padding, promise comfort whether seated or reclining. The lighting system subtly shifts throughout the flight, aiding natural rhythms and contributing to the atmosphere of calm luxury surrounding the passengers.
While Riyadh Air has yet to disclose their amenity kit providers or menu options, one noteworthy distinction is the lack of alcohol service aboard, in accordance with Saudi regulations—a contrast to offerings from airlines like Emirates.
Saudi Arabia's Bold Tourism Goals
The cabin unveiling coincides with Saudi Arabia's broader ambitions to transform into a global tourism hub, aiming to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030 through major investments such as the Neom futuristic city, Red Sea luxury resorts, the world's richest horse race, Saudi Cup, and a plethora of high-profile events and attractions.
Bearing its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), Riyadh Air awaits delivery of its first aircraft from Boeing. delivery delays due to international supply chain issues have necessitated a later launch date of late 2025. However, anticipation mounts as the airline readies its inaugural route and prepares to embark on its maiden voyage.
A Bold Induction in International Aviation
With stunning interiors, cutting-edge features, and strategic planning, Riyadh Air is poised to make a formidable impression in the global aviation industry.
Enrichment Data:- 32" 4K OLED monitors with immersive sound technology for Business Elite class passengers- 22" 4K OLED monitors with immersive sound technology for Business class passengers- 15.6" monitors for Premium Economy class passengers- 13.3" monitors for economy class passengers- Riyadh Air's partnership with Viasat for free onboard Wi-Fi and entertainment options- Employment of Panasonic Avionics' Modular Interactive tool for an interactive in-flight experience.
- The airline news about Riyadh Air's latest venture in the industry showcases their ambition to challenge traditional Gulf carriers, with their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring a design inspired by Saudi heritage and offering exclusive features like full-height privacy panels and sliding doors in Business Class.
- The aviation pioneer is not only focus on the luxury lifestyle of travelers but also on technology integration, becoming the world's first digital-native airline, offering top-tier Wi-Fi, immersive audio, and interactive in-flight experiences through partnerships with Viasat and Panasonic Avionics.
- The three-tiered cabin experience in Riyadh Air's Dreamliner will cater to various travel budgets, with Business Elite class offering 78" fully flat beds, 52" privacy walls, and 32" 4K OLED screens, while Premium Economy and Economy classes provide enhanced comfort and entertainment options at more affordable prices.
