Riyadh Air’s snazzy Arabian tent canopy inspired business class cabins are making the rounds in the international press, with Bloomberg comparing the cabin’s upscale design with the sky’s luxury leaders Emirates and Qatar Airways. The airline’s Boeing 787s will feature a three-class layout — business, premium economy, and economy — with around 10% of the 290 seats allocated to business class.

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Bloomberg highlighted Riyadh Air’s privacy edge and what sets it apart from Gulf peers. While matching competitors in spaciousness, the airline cabins stand out with sliding doors (privacy panels) to offer a more secluded travel experience, in addition to lie-flat seats, mood lighting, large entertainment screens, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Sober flying: In line with Saudi regulations, the airline will not serve alcohol onboard — setting it apart from carriers like Emirates. Details on amenity kits and dining options have yet to be revealed.

The carrier’s prioritization of a premium business class over first class also got Bloomberg’s attention, alluding to a similar approach from carriers like Qatar Airways, which have positioned business class as a compelling alternative to first class. Riyadh Air plans to introduce a first-class cabin on a yet-to-be-aquired larger aircraft.

REMEMBER- The PIF-backed carrier recently received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (Gaca) earlier this month. However, the airline had to push back its launch to 3Q 2025 planned for earlier this year, after facing delays in Boeing aircraft deliveries.

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