Riyadh Air has partnered with IBM Consulting to incorporate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into its operations, positioning itself as the world's first AI-native airline. Since its launch in March 2023, the airline aims to connect over 100 destinations globally by 2030 and is leveraging generative and agentic AI to transform employee workflows and enhance passenger services.
This significant technological initiative involves a multi-year engagement with more than 60 partners, including technology giants like Adobe, Apple, FLYR, Microsoft, and Oracle. IBM's Advantage platform is facilitating the execution of Riyadh Air’s comprehensive digital strategy, replacing traditional legacy systems with cloud-based AI solutions hosted on Microsoft Azure and Red Hat OpenShift. High-performance Nvidia GPUs support these AI models, enabling efficient and scalable operations.
Transforming Employee and Passenger Engagement
Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida stated that this transformation ensures the airline is built for the future, with personalized digital workplaces and AI-powered mobile applications that improve both employee and guest experiences. A proactive AI concierge system is being developed to assist staff with tailored suggestions and fast-track services, especially for passengers in a hurry.
“We’re stripping out 50 years of legacy in a single stroke. Riyadh Air isn’t just built for today; it’s built for the future,” said Boukadida.
Furthermore, AI-enabled voice bots provide personalized support and anticipate passenger needs, further enhancing the overall travel experience. Sandeep Halli, a senior partner at IBM Consulting, highlighted the use of fine-tuned large language models from Watsonx.ai, integrating Riyadh Air’s operational and loyalty data to streamline workflows and customer interactions.
As the airline prepares for its first commercial flights expected in early 2026, the ongoing collaboration exemplifies a transformative shift in aviation technology, demonstrating how AI can redefine airline operations and passenger engagement in the years to come.
