Saudi Arabia's NEOM giga-project announces airline launch

NEOM, the Saudi Arabian Government backed giga-project, has announced that it will launch its own airline in 2024.

NEOM Airlines is being created to service the linear megacity, beginning initially with repurposed aircraft from the Kingdom’s national carrier Saudi but with plans to transition to “ultra-modern” aircraft beginning in 2026.

Created to enable travel for tourists, residents and commercial partners to travel to and from NEOM’s location on Saudi Arabia's Red Seas coast, NEOM Airlines will operate from NEOM Bay Airport - which is already open to domestic Saudi flights - as well as trips to and from London and Dubai.

Plans will see it later expand to the currently under construction NEOM International Airport.

Previewing innovations that will be delivered by the new airline, NEOM Airlines Chief Executive,

Klaus Goersch stated “our resorts will be going live in early 2024, so we need to service that demand quickly, initially retrofitting existing aircraft with existing technology.

“But come 2026 onwards, there will be new innovative aircraft - whether it be electric, hydrogen-powered, or supersonic - and next-generation interiors coming online from us.

“This new future is what we are building in the North West of Saudi Arabia.

“The goal is to make the traveller journey as seamless as possible. Due to the fact we are building a new destination, new airports and a new airline all at the same time - there is a sense that we can achieve this to a level that just has not been seen before.”

The development of NEOM, and its airline, is part of the ambitious ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ plan that aims to attract 100 million visitors annually.

NEOM Airlines promises a number of futuristic features including Biometric check-ins to replace standard departure gates, in-seat gaming, and 6G Wi-Fi. There are also plans to make travel visa-free.