Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 25, 2025 – Riyadh Air has entered into a strategic agreement with IBM to develop an AI-powered enterprise that will enhance both guest and employee experiences. The collaboration will integrate IBM’s watsonx AI platform and IBM Consulting solutions, positioning Riyadh Air as the world’s first fully digital-native airline.
According to the source, the partnership was announced at the FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 Summit, where Riyadh Air’s Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida and IBM Consulting SVP Mohamad Ali reaffirmed their commitment to innovation in the aviation industry.
As Riyadh Air prepares for its inaugural flights in late 2025, the airline aims to revolutionize air travel by leveraging AI to streamline operations, personalize customer service, and enhance employee efficiency. IBM watsonx will serve as the foundation for this transformation, enabling Riyadh Air to deploy AI-powered Virtual Assistants and Agentic AI autonomous bots for seamless and intelligent system interactions.
“Riyadh Air is more than just an airline; it is a gateway to new opportunities for travelers,” said Adam Boukadida. “With IBM’s AI-driven solutions, we aim to redefine industry standards and set a new benchmark for the future of aviation.”
IBM Consulting will act as the lead systems integrator, ensuring data security, regulatory compliance, and responsible AI adoption. IBM’s Garage methodology will be used to develop AI use cases that automate processes and drive digital transformation.
Mohamad Ali, SVP of IBM Consulting, stated, “By embedding watsonx at its core, Riyadh Air is taking an AI-first approach to redefine air travel and set new industry standards.”
Riyadh Air’s AI-driven strategy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global aviation hub, serving 330 million passengers annually by 2030. By integrating AI across its operations, Riyadh Air is setting a new industry benchmark for intelligent, highly personalized travel experiences.
This collaboration with IBM marks a transformative leap forward, allowing Riyadh Air to anticipate passenger needs, optimize operations, and revolutionize the aviation landscape.
