Riyadh Air Partners with IBM to Bring Agentic AI to Commercial Flights by Early 2026

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In a major leap toward the future of aviation, Riyadh Air has announced a strategic partnership with IBM to build what it calls the world’s first fully AI-native airline. Unlike traditional carriers that modernize gradually by patching older systems, Riyadh Air is being engineered entirely from the ground up using next-generation technologies—particularly generative and agentic artificial intelligence. This move is expected to redefine passenger experience, operational efficiency, and the very architecture of digital aviation.

With its first commercial flights scheduled for early 2026, the airline aims to set a global benchmark by fusing advanced AI capabilities with human-centered service models. The company’s leadership claims this approach will shape not only its own future, but also the broader aviation sector.

Building an Airline for the Next Decade

Riyadh Air is a flagship project under Saudi Arabia’s larger vision to modernize transport and tourism infrastructure. However, the airline is taking a unique route by positioning itself as a tech-native enterprise. IBM Consulting, with its deep industry experience and technological ecosystem, is assisting Riyadh Air in designing and deploying AI-driven workflows across the organization.

A key component of this transformation is IBM’s watsonx Orchestrate, an automation and AI platform that allows organizations to streamline operations, elevate employee productivity, and personalize customer experiences at scale. By embedding such tools into its operational blueprint, Riyadh Air plans to build a digital foundation strong enough to support millions of passengers in the coming years.

IBM executives describe the partnership as a milestone. According to Mohamad Ali, senior vice president at IBM Consulting, Riyadh Air is “setting a new blueprint for what it means to build a modern, adaptive enterprise from the ground up.” He added that AI would not simply be layered on top of existing systems; instead, it would be woven into the airline’s core architecture.

Initial Flights Underway, Commercial Launch Coming Soon

While the public is anticipating the grand opening of commercial services in early 2026, Riyadh Air has already begun conducting initial test flights. These early operations are intended to validate the AI-powered systems, fleet readiness, crew workflows, and passenger-facing technologies that are expected to define the airline’s debut next year.

This preparation phase is crucial, particularly because Riyadh Air aims to differentiate itself by avoiding legacy systems altogether. Traditional airlines usually rely on decades-old digital frameworks—often incompatible with modern AI models—that create inefficiencies and complexities. Riyadh Air’s approach, therefore, is not just ambitious but transformative.

AI at the Heart of the Passenger Journey

One of Riyadh Air’s most exciting promises is the creation of a seamless, predictive, and highly personalized travel experience. To achieve this, the airline is integrating generative and agentic AI across multiple touchpoints.

1. AI-Powered Mobile Applications

Travelers will interact with the airline primarily through smart mobile applications. These apps are being designed as proactive digital assistants capable of anticipating passenger needs—offering guidance, updates, customized recommendations, and even real-time support before the traveler asks for it. This proactive concierge service, powered by IBM watsonx Orchestrate, ensures that travel planning and in-flight engagement feel intuitive and effortless.

2. Intelligent Voice Bots and Agent-Assist Tools

Customer service is another key area where Riyadh Air expects AI to make a bold impact. AI-enabled voice bots will handle routine queries with natural, human-like responses, while agent-assist tools will support customer care representatives by providing quick and accurate information. This dual model enhances efficiency without diminishing the human touch that many travelers value.

3. A Digital Workplace for Airline Employees

As Riyadh Air prepares to double its workforce, employee empowerment has become a critical priority. A chat-first, AI-driven digital workplace is being introduced to streamline HR requests, training, scheduling, performance notifications, and daily workflows. By reducing administrative hassles, employees will be able to focus more on customer service and safety—areas where human presence remains irreplaceable.

A Strategic Vision for Global Connectivity

Beyond its technological aspirations, Riyadh Air plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy. The company aims to expand the nation's global connectivity by linking Riyadh to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030. This expansion is expected to support millions of travelers and strengthen the country’s position as a global aviation hub.

Riyadh Air’s Chief Financial Officer, Adam Boukadida, emphasized that the company had a defining choice: “be the last airline built on legacy technology or the first built on the platforms that will define the next decade of aviation.” Choosing the latter, the airline hopes to inspire a shift across the industry toward more modern, technologically resilient infrastructure.

What Makes an AI-Native Airline Different?

The term “AI-native” goes far beyond using chatbots or digital check-ins. Riyadh Air’s AI-driven model covers virtually every function of the airline:

• Predictive maintenance to reduce delays and improve aircraft safety

• Data-driven crew management for optimal staffing and efficiency

• Real-time analytics to improve route planning and fuel usage

• Smart baggage tracking for fewer lost items

• Enhanced personalisation based on travel history and preferences

• Automated documentation workflows for smoother boarding and compliance

This architecture allows the airline not just to operate efficiently, but to evolve continuously as AI advances.

A New Era in Aviation Begins

Riyadh Air’s partnership with IBM marks a watershed moment in aviation history. As industries around the world embrace digital transformation, aviation—long burdened by legacy technology—is finally seeing a leap toward the future.