Riyadh Air and IBM unveiled a plan to operate the world’s first AI‑native airline, built from the ground up without legacy systems. Leveraging IBM Consulting and watsonx, the carrier will embed AI across operations and experiences ahead of full commercial service targeted for early 2026, setting a new aviation benchmark.
Riyadh Air announced at IBM Think Riyadh 2025 that it will operate as an AI‑native airline, integrating AI into core processes from day one to unify guest and employee experiences and boost agility across the business. IBM Consulting orchestrates the program, tapping watsonx and a broad partner ecosystem to deliver end‑to‑end AI capabilities.
The multi‑year collaboration spans dozens of workstreams, introducing AI agents for a personalized digital workplace and data‑driven decision support to streamline passenger services ahead of Riyadh Air’s planned commercial launch in early 2026. By designing without legacy patchwork, the airline aims to set a new industry standard for scalable, secure, and adaptive operations.
Major takeaways
AI‑native design: Built without legacy systems; AI embedded across operations and experiences.
IBM partnership: IBM Consulting orchestrates delivery using watsonx and a partner network.
Operational scope: 59+ workstreams and 60+ partners support rapid rollout and scale.
Employee tools: AI agents power a personalized digital workplace for faster decisions.
Timeline: Initial flights underway; full commercial service targeted for early 2026.
Sources: IBM Newsroom; Yahoo FinanceYahoo Finance UK+1; Travel Daily Media