Riyadh Air has introduced the interiors of its upcoming fleet, spotlighting a premium “Business Elite” suite as part of its launch plans. The Saudi Arabian airline aims to connect the country with 100 destinations within five years, supporting the nation’s economic diversification goals.
Backed by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air has placed significant orders for both Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The newly revealed cabins reflect a design inspired by the classic elegance of historic airlines, with CEO Tony Douglas emphasizing a return to “glamour” and “sophistication.”
The Dreamliners will seat 290 travelers and feature a purple-themed color palette with gold accents in premium areas. The highlight is four front-row Business Elite suites, each with a 32-inch screen—claimed to be the largest in business class. The center suites can be combined into a double bed by removing the privacy divider.
Business class seats are custom-designed by Safran in collaboration with audio specialist Devialet, offering a headphone-free listening experience through advanced speakers in the headrests. These fully flat seats provide ample space, privacy doors, and multiple charging options, with 4K OLED entertainment screens throughout the cabins.
Premium economy is arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration using the same Recaro seats as seen in Emirates, offering enhanced comfort, calf rests, and 15.6-inch screens. The side tables feature a distinctive marble design with gold veining.
Economy class is configured nine-abreast, providing 17.2-inch-wide seats, adjustable headrests, and individual 13.4-inch 4K screens. Each seat includes USB-C charging points. Consistency across aircraft is a priority, with the same seat models used on both Boeing 787s and Airbus A321neos.
While there is currently no first-class section on the Dreamliners, Riyadh Air is considering adding this option on future aircraft, and discussions are ongoing about acquiring a third, larger aircraft type.