Saudi-based startup, Riyadh Air, in a groundbreaking announcement, has confirmed its multi-year partnership with the esteemed Spanish football club, Atlético de Madrid. The airline, in its debut sports sponsorship, becomes the official airline partner of the club, following in the footsteps of prominent Middle Eastern carriers such as Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways.

Breaking Ground: Riyadh Air and Atlético de Madrid

This significant collaboration between Riyadh Air and Atlético de Madrid marks Riyadh Air’s inaugural sports sponsorship since its launch on March 12, 2023. Fans can expect to see Riyadh Air’s logo emblazoned on the club’s kits from this season onward.

Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air’s CEO, expressed his enthusiasm on this partnership, lauding Atlético de Madrid’s prominence in European football. Nicknamed Los Colchoneros, the club boasts 11 Spanish first-division titles and three Champions League runner-up achievements. Douglas commented: “Our belief stands that this partnership mirrors a symbiotic match. Both entities, Riyadh Air and Atlético, are driven by a shared vision of excellence and a zest for bridging diverse cultures and communities.”

Setting Sky High Aspirations: Riyadh Air’s Strategy

Announced earlier this year, Riyadh Air is set to make a significant entry into the aviation sector with a widebody order of 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, targeting operational commencement by 2025. Ambitious in its plans, Riyadh Air aims to facilitate over 100 destinations, targeting 100 million visitors by 2030, and positioning Riyadh City as a central global travel nexus. June saw Riyadh Air unveil its state-of-the-art livery.

Adopting the ethos of renowned Middle Eastern airlines, Riyadh Air endeavors to set unparalleled standards in guest experiences, leveraging advanced technology. Its strategic location offers the advantage of connecting 60% of the global population within an eight-hour flight span. However, Riyadh Air’s objectives diverge from the likes of Emirates. Rather than focusing on transit tourism, the carrier’s vision aligns with promoting Saudi Arabia as an eminent destination for both business and leisure tourism.

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Central to these ambitious endeavors is the pivotal development of King Salman International Airport. Projected to rank amongst the world’s most expansive airports, it aims for a staggering capacity of 120 million passengers by 2030, escalating to 185 million passengers and 3.5 million tons of cargo by 2050. Almotaz Almirah, an aviation spokesperson for Saudi Arabia, emphasized the airport’s significance in establishing the Kingdom as a logistical epicenter, bridging three continents.

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In Conclusion

With Riyadh Air’s debut partnership with Atlético de Madrid, the airline is poised to revolutionize the aviation and tourism sector in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration not only boosts the airline’s global visibility but also underscores its commitment to fostering cultural ties across continents.