At IBM Think Riyadh 2025, IBM and Riyadh Air announced a milestone in their collaboration, unveiling Riyadh Air as the world’s first AI-native airline.

Designed without legacy systems, the airline’s AI-driven operations aim to transform employee and passenger experiences.

Riyadh Air is working with IBM Consulting and its partner ecosystem, including Adobe, Apple, FLYR, and Microsoft, to operate as an AI-native enterprise from its inception.

IBM Consulting coordinated 59 workstreams using IBM Consulting Advantage, its AI-powered delivery platform, to implement the airline’s end-to-end technology strategy.

Initial flights have begun, with the first commercial service expected in early 2026.

Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, said,

“With IBM, we’ve stripped out fifty years of legacy in a single stroke. Riyadh Air isn’t just built for today; it’s built for the future and creating a pathway for many airlines to follow in the years to come.”

Riyadh Air is integrating AI across employee and customer interactions.

A digital workplace powered by AI agents will simplify HR processes, while AI-enabled mobile applications and IBM watsonx Orchestrate will support cabin and ground staff with personalised guidance.

AI-driven voice bots and agent assist will help customer care teams provide timely, context-aware support.

Operational efficiency is central to the airline’s strategy. IBM Consulting implemented an enterprise performance management suite to integrate financial, operational, and commercial data, automating planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.

This foundation supports data-driven decision making, optimises route profitability, and strengthens overall performance.

Mohamad Ali, Senior Vice President of IBM Consulting, said,

“By embedding AI into the very foundation of its operations, Riyadh Air is setting a new blueprint for what it means to build a modern, adaptive enterprise from the ground up. As a company born in the AI era, Riyadh Air is redefining what’s possible in aviation.”

Featured image credit: IBM