Riyadh Air teams with IBM to deploy agentic AI on flights by early 2026
Riyadh Air has inked a deal with IBM to put agentic artificial intelligence on its aircraft, aiming to have the technology operational on commercial routes by early 2026. The partnership marks a rare move for a carrier to embed AI at the core of its service model rather than using it as a peripheral tool. While the tech is impressive, the real test will be how it reshapes day‑to‑day operations—from scheduling crews to handling in‑flight requests.
The airline says the rollout will begin with a series of pilot flights, a step that signals confidence in the system’s readiness. Yet, the timeline is tight; integrating sophisticated AI into safety‑critical environments typically demands extensive certification and testing. Here’s the thing: if Riyadh Air can meet its target, the effort could serve as a reference point for other airlines eyeing similar upgrades.
The stakes are high, and the industry will be watching closely to see whether the promise translates into a functional, adaptive enterprise.
According to the announcement, initial flights are already in progress, and its first commercial service is anticipated in early 2026. "By embedding AI into the very foundation of its operations, Riyadh Air is setting a new blueprint for what it means to build a modern, adaptive enterprise from the ground up," said Mohamad Ali, senior vice president at IBM Consulting. Riyadh Air is remoulding its travel experience by integrating generative and agentic AI into its operations to create seamless interactions between technology and human service. A personalised digital workplace will support employees with a chat-first platform for streamlined HR processes as the airline plans to double its workforce.
Riyadh Air’s partnership with IBM marks a concrete step toward embedding agentic AI in airline operations. The airline claims to be the world’s first AI‑native carrier, built from scratch without legacy systems. IBM Consulting’s industry knowledge, its partner network, and watsonx Orchestrate are cited as the technical backbone for the rollout.
Initial test flights are already underway, and the first commercial service is slated for early 2026. If the timeline holds, passengers could experience AI‑driven personalization while crew members interact with adaptive tools. Can AI truly replace human judgment on board?
Yet the announcement offers little detail on how safety protocols will integrate with autonomous decision‑making. It is unclear whether regulatory bodies have reviewed the proposed systems. The claim of setting a new blueprint suggests ambition, but measurable outcomes remain to be observed.
Ultimately, the collaboration will provide a practical case study of AI’s role in commercial aviation, and the industry will be watching the results closely. Future reports will likely detail performance metrics.
Further Reading
- Riyadh Air and IBM to build AI-driven enterprise, elevating guest and employee experiences - Riyadh Air
- Riyadh Air and IBM Partner to Launch World's First AI-Native Airline - Barchart (via IBM press release)
- Riyadh Air and IBM Partner to Launch World’s First AI-Native Airline - Breaking Travel News
- Riyadh Air and IBM Partner to Launch World's First AI-Native Airline - StockTitan (via IBM press release)
- IBM Helping Riyadh Air Get into the Skies in 2025 with Digital Tech - The Futurum Group
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Common Questions Answered
When is Riyadh Air expected to launch its first commercial service using agentic AI?
Riyadh Air plans to roll out its first commercial service with agentic AI technology in early 2026. Initial test flights are already underway, and the airline aims to have the system operational on regular routes by that time.
What role does IBM's watsonx Orchestrate play in Riyadh Air's AI deployment?
IBM Consulting cites watsonx Orchestrate as the technical backbone enabling Riyadh Air to integrate generative and agentic AI across its operations. The platform helps coordinate AI-driven processes such as crew scheduling and in‑flight request handling.
How does Riyadh Air describe its status as an AI‑native carrier?
The airline claims to be the world’s first AI‑native carrier, built from scratch without legacy systems. By embedding AI at the core of its service model, Riyadh Air aims to create a modern, adaptive enterprise from the ground up.
What operational areas are expected to be reshaped by the agentic AI partnership with IBM?
The partnership is set to transform day‑to‑day operations, including crew scheduling, flight planning, and handling in‑flight passenger requests. By embedding AI throughout, Riyadh Air hopes to improve efficiency and personalize the travel experience.