Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new digital-native carrier, has established a major long-term partnership with Lufthansa Technik to secure comprehensive maintenance support for its incoming fleet. The agreement, signed at the Dubai Airshow, is a foundational step for the startup airline as it prepares to launch commercial operations.
The cornerstone of the deal is a Total Component Support (TCS) contract spanning ten years, covering Riyadh Air’s growing fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This service provides the airline with around-the-clock access to a global network of spare parts, moving away from a costly in-house inventory model. The TCS includes critical Aircraft on Ground (AOG) support, guaranteeing rapid reaction times and dedicated logistics for time-sensitive components, a vital requirement for maintaining operational reliability from day one.
Beyond physical components, Riyadh Air is integrating into Lufthansa Technik’s Digital Tech Ops Ecosystem by adopting the industry-leading AMOS software for its Maintenance & Engineering operations. This single digital platform will manage all technical, logistical, and compliance needs, enabling data-driven decision-making and streamlined processes across the airline’s technical department.
Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, emphasized the partnership’s role in safeguarding performance: “Access to a global component pool 24/7 is critical for our operational stability. This partnership minimizes potential technical disruptions, allowing us to focus on delivering a premium travel experience as we grow.”
Echoing the sentiment, Dr. Christian Leifeld, CFO of Lufthansa Technik, highlighted the shared vision: “We are proud to support Riyadh Air’s ambitious journey from start-up to a global network carrier. Their modern, digital approach aligns perfectly with our mission to transform the MRO landscape. We are committed to being a strong partner, ensuring operational stability as they ramp up to connect 100 destinations by 2030.”
This dual-pillared partnership—combining leading physical component support with advanced digital solutions—positions Riyadh Air with a robust technical backbone. It underscores a key strategic alignment as the airline progresses toward its inaugural flight and its long-term goals under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
