Riyadh Air and IBM Collaborate to Launch the World’s First AI-Native Airline

On December 8, 2025, at the IBM *Think Riyadh 2025* event, a significant partnership was announced between International Business Machines Corp (IBM) and Riyadh Air, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of aviation. The two companies unveiled Riyadh Air as the world's first AI-native airline, designed with cutting-edge technology and devoid of legacy systems. This innovative collaboration aims to revolutionize both guest and employee experiences and set a new standard for the aviation industry.

Riyadh Air is set to operate as a fully AI-native enterprise from its inception, thanks to IBM Consulting's extensive technical expertise and robust ecosystem of partners, including industry giants like Adobe, Apple, FLYR, and Microsoft. By utilizing the IBM watsonx Orchestrate platform, Riyadh Air is poised to create a seamless operational strategy that spans 59 workstreams.

Adam Boukadida, the Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, emphasized the airline's commitment to modern technology: "We had a clear choice—be the last airline built on legacy technology or the first built on the platforms that will define the next decade of aviation." He underscored that Riyadh Air is not just designed for today but is a blueprint for future airlines.

Riyadh Air plans to reshape the employee experience by introducing a personalized digital workplace powered by AI agents. This platform will provide employees with a unified, chat-first interface to streamline HR processes and expedite self-service functionalities. With an ambitious plan to double its workforce within the next 12 months, the airline aims to create an efficient and engaging work environment.

In addition to improving employee interactions, Riyadh Air is innovating the customer experience by integrating AI into its service delivery. The airline will employ AI-driven voice bots and agent assist technologies to provide personalized support, utilizing contextual data to anticipate and meet traveler needs, thus enhancing the overall travel experience.

Riyadh Air is engineered for efficiency and innovation, free from the constraints of legacy systems. By starting with a clean digital slate, the airline is leveraging AI to unlock new revenue streams and reinvest in its operations. IBM Consulting has implemented an enterprise performance management suite that integrates financial, operational, and commercial data, automating planning, budgeting, and forecasting. This approach will provide real-time insights to support data-driven decision-making, optimizing route profitability and overall business performance.

Together, IBM and Riyadh Air are creating an AI-native enterprise that is equipped with the necessary digital strategy, architecture, and operational models to transform aviation. The airline aims to expand its connectivity to over 100 destinations and serve millions of travelers by 2030, positioning itself as a key player in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's aviation landscape.

Riyadh Air is a world-class airline owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), launched in March 2023. The airline is committed to being digitally-led and employing the best global sustainability and safety practices. Offering advanced aircraft with state-of-the-art features and exceptional cabin experiences, Riyadh Air is set to provide travelers with authentic Saudi hospitality at its core.

IBM is a global leader in hybrid cloud and AI, providing consulting expertise to clients across more than 175 countries. The company is committed to helping organizations streamline operations, reduce costs, and gain competitive advantages through innovative technologies, including AI and quantum computing.

With this groundbreaking partnership, Riyadh Air and IBM are poised to not only redefine the aviation industry but also inspire a new era of technological integration within it.