Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Riyadh Air announced signing a strategic agreement with IBM to integrate watsonx AI solutions and IBM Consulting services, laying the foundation for an enterprise-wide AI ecosystem ahead of its inaugural flights in late 2025.

According to an official press release, this partnership strengthens Riyadh Air’s vision to become the world’s first digital-native airline, leveraging AI to enhance passenger experiences, optimize operations, and empower employees.

Announced at the FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 Summit, the collaboration will enable AI-powered automation, virtual assistants, and intelligent decision-making tools to streamline workflows and improve customer interactions.

IBM will deploy Agentic AI, allowing for autonomous, personalized system interactions, while IBM Consulting will serve as the airline’s lead systems integrator, ensuring seamless implementation of AI-driven solutions.

Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air said: “Riyadh Air is more than just an airline; it is a gateway to new opportunities for travelers from the Kingdom and beyond. As we move closer to our first flight later in 2025, our vision is to deliver a seamless, world-class travel experience by expanding our reach, pioneering innovations, and redefining industry standards. By deepening our collaboration with IBM, we are harnessing the power of AI, from intelligent customer interactions to optimized flight operations, to set a new benchmark for the future of aviation.”

IBM will oversee the installation and customization of watsonx, using its IBM Garage methodology to develop tailored AI use cases that support Riyadh Air’s digital transformation. Through IBM Consulting Advantage, Riyadh Air employees and IBM consultants will work collaboratively to accelerate innovation, ensuring scalable and adaptive AI-powered solutions.

This AI-first strategy aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global aviation hub capable of serving 330 million passengers annually. By embedding AI across its operations, Riyadh Air is setting a new industry benchmark, demonstrating how intelligent automation and data-driven insights can redefine modern air travel.