Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline, is set to take to the skies in late 2025—and it’s already making waves with its luxurious cabin design aimed at transforming long-haul air travel. For international medical tourists prioritizing rest, privacy, and a premium inflight experience, Riyadh Air promises to be a game-changer.
A Four-Class Cabin Concept
Each Riyadh Air Boeing 787-9 aircraft will offer four distinct cabin classes: Business Elite, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy. With a total capacity of 290 passengers, the layout is thoughtfully designed to ensure space, style, and serenity across every class.
Business Elite: A Suite-Within-a-Suite
Positioned at the front of the aircraft, the “Business Elite” cabin is a bold innovation featuring oversized seats in a 1-2-1 configuration that convert into fully flat beds. The centre seats even transform into the world’s only true double bed in a business cabin—a feature ideal for couples or patients travelling with companions.
Highlights include:
- Safran Unity seats with privacy doors
- 52-inch-high walls for enhanced seclusion
- 32-inch 4K OLED screens—the largest in any business cabin
- Devialet-engineered speakers for immersive in-seat audio
Though visually on par with traditional First Class, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas clarified that a dedicated First Class cabin will debut later aboard a third aircraft type, aiming to elevate luxury even further.
Business Class and Beyond
The Business Class cabin mirrors the Elite layout, offering the same 1-2-1 configuration and seat design with slightly smaller screens. Premium Economy passengers can expect a 2-3-2 layout with 38 inches of pitch—ideal for those seeking extra legroom without a business class price tag. Economy class is configured in a comfortable 3-3-3 layout with a standard 31-inch pitch.
Inspired by Saudi Heritage
Riyadh Air’s interiors are more than functional—they are a tribute to Saudi culture and design, incorporating elegant materials, refined aesthetics, and advanced smart technology. This combination of tradition and innovation makes it especially appealing to wellness-conscious and discerning travellers.
Commenting on the design and materials used for the new aircraft, Riyadh Air said the cabin interiors reflect “Saudi heritage with a modern touch”.
A Fashion Statement in the Sky
Riyadh Air is also making bold moves with its cabin crew uniforms, unveiled at Paris Fashion Week 2024. Designed to evoke the golden age of aviation glamour—with a modern twist—CEO Tony Douglas drew inspiration from TWA and DiCaprio’s Catch Me If You Can, stating:
Back in the day, cabin crew would walk through the airport and people would stop and look at them. Today, most look the same in bland grays and dark colors.
The new uniform is part of Riyadh Air’s broader mission to restore elegance and individuality to air travel.
Competing with Emirates, Etihad and Qatar
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have solidified their positions as premier global aviation hubs, each experiencing significant growth in passenger traffic. In 2024, Dubai International Airport (DXB) set a new record by handling 92.3 million passengers, a 6% increase from the previous year. Similarly, Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha served 52.7 million passengers, marking a 15% rise compared to 2023.
In the realm of medical tourism, Dubai has emerged as a significant destination. The Emirate welcomed over 691,000 health tourists in 2023, with spending on healthcare services exceeding AED1.03 billion.
Against this backdrop, Saudi Arabia’s introduction of Riyadh Air represents a strategic move to capture a share of the burgeoning aviation and medical tourism markets. Backed by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious strategy to attract high-value tourists.
Why This Matters to Medical Travellers
As patients increasingly travel abroad to seek high-quality treatment, comfort during travel becomes a key part of the health and wellness journey.
Riyadh Air’s ultra-premium seating, emphasis on privacy, and attention to sensory detail (from bespoke sound to visual ambiance) set a new standard for medical travel comfort—especially for those recovering from procedures or traveling long distances for healthcare.
Whether you’re flying for a specialist consultation or returning from a wellness retreat, Riyadh Air offers a level of care and comfort that aligns with the expectations of today’s health-conscious globetrotter.
Medical Travel Market will continue to monitor Riyadh Air’s developments as the airline prepares for its 2025 debut. For patients seeking travel and treatment plans, our team is here to assist you with access to the best global hospitals, luxury wellness retreats, and air travel options that support your healing journey.
Contact us for a free consultation to start your healthcare journey.
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