In a major move to redefine the passenger experience, Riyadh Air has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global technology giant Huawei. The partnership aims to integrate cutting-edge digital capabilities into the airline’s operations, setting a new standard for smart travel as Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier prepares to take flight.
A Strategic Digital Alliance The collaboration brings together Riyadh Air’s ambitious global growth strategy and Huawei’s technological prowess. By leveraging Huawei’s expertise in cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and mobility services, the airline intends to create a seamless, data-driven ecosystem that enhances every stage of the customer journey—from booking and discovery to the in-flight experience.
Focus on the Chinese Market A central pillar of the agreement is a phased rollout that initially prioritizes the Chinese market. With approximately 20% of smartphone users in China utilizing Huawei devices, Riyadh Air plans to build a market-specific digital ecosystem tailored to local social media and user preferences.
Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer of Riyadh Air, highlighted the strategic importance of this region: “The China market is essential to our global expansion and Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth. As the Kingdom raises its target to 150 million tourists by 2030, our partnership with Huawei strengthens our ability to deliver the digital, seamless, and personalized journey Chinese travelers expect.”
Connecting Global Travelers Beyond China, the partnership supports Riyadh Air’s broader goal of connecting to over 100 destinations by 2030. Huawei’s vast network of over 730 million monthly active users worldwide will be introduced to Sfeer, Riyadh Air’s digital lifestyle ecosystem.
Peak Yin, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group (KSA), expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We have found a true partner in Riyadh Air… Huawei is committed to supporting Riyadh Air with our best global technologies to co-create world-class digital experiences for travelers from China and around the world.”
Future-Ready Aviation The long-term vision for the partnership involves continuous co-creation of next-generation solutions in marketing, loyalty programs, and advanced cloud services. Both companies view this alliance as a bridge between Saudi Arabia and the world, pushing the boundaries of what technology can deliver in the aviation sector.
