Riyadh Air Rolls Out Saudi Arabia’s 1st Electric Coach

Riyadh Air recently launched the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s first fleet of electric coaches.

The latest addition to the country’s flag carriers announced the news on Sunday, August 11. The 47-seater electric coaches will be used to transport the airline’s employees.

Riyadh Air and the National Transportation Solutions Company (NTSC) entered a collaboration to make the initiative possible. NTSC, a subsidiary of Petromin Corporation, is a Saudi automotive and transportation company that provides commercial and private fleet solutions.

Riyadh Air’s commitment to sustainability

Earlier in 2024, the carrier signed up for the United Nations Global Compact. The UN Global Compact is  a voluntary initiative that seeks to “implement universal sustainability principles.” Moreover, it also strives to support the goals of the United Nations.

Riyadh Air’s electric coach investment demonstrates its commitment to achieving 17 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development goals.

Specifically, these include 1) no poverty, 2) zero hunger, 3) good health and well-being, and 4) quality education. The next goals are 5) gender equality, 6) clean water and sanitation, and 7) affordable and clean energy.

The following goals are 8) decent work and economic growth; 9) industry, innovation, and infrastructure; and 10) reduced inequalities. Next are 11) sustainable cities and communities, 12) responsible consumption and production, 13) climate action, and 14) life below water.

Lastly, the remaining three goals are 15) life on land; 16) peace, justice and institutions; and 17) partnerships for the goals.

Offsetting environmental footprint

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas and Petromin Corporations Group CEO Kalyana Sivagnanam were present at the launch of the fleet. Similarly, Petromin National Transportation Solutions Company CEO, Gary B. Flom, was also at the unveiling event.

Douglas remarked, “Every effort we make to champion sustainable practices counts in our collective fight against climate change.”

“Sustainability is embedded in our DNA and we will reflect this across all Riyadh Air’s operations, from managing fuel efficiency in the sky to reducing carbon emissions on the ground,” he added.

“Investing in electric coaches is just one early initiative we can introduce to offset our environmental footprint as we demonstrate we will be a leader in helping achieve the aviation industry’s global net-zero agenda.”

Meanwhile, Sivagnanam shared, “We are proud to have this partnership for sustainable mobility with Riyadh Air and contribute to their efforts to reach sustainability goals. This is a remarkable airline with environmental responsibility embedded in their DNA.”

About Riyadh Air and its partnership with Delta

Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia’s new full-service global carrier. It will be starting passenger flights in 2025.

In July, Delta Air Lines announced its partnership with Riyadh Air to operate flights between the US and Saudi Arabia. Apart from the improved connectivity, the tie-up also enables future growth opportunities and additional flight options between the two countries.

Photo: X/Maaal Economy News