Game On: Riyadh Air Unveils Stunning Cabin Interiors Ahead of Launch

Riyadh Air has made its boldest move yet in the lead-up to its inaugural flight, unveiling the interiors of its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner—and the results are turning heads. Designed to compete with the best in the region, the airline’s new cabins showcase a level of craftsmanship, storytelling, and brand identity rarely seen from a startup carrier.

Photo: Courtesy of RiyadhAir

“These interiors epitomize luxury on every level,” writes The Design Air, which received exclusive access to the airline’s new cabin products. “It’s less about emblazoned logos and bling and more about refined tactility that exudes understated luxury.”

While many had been anticipating a strong entry from the Saudi Arabian startup, few expected this level of refinement across all cabins—Business Elite, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy. With the airline’s first flights confirmed to launch before the end of 2025—and its first set of destinations still unrevealed—Riyadh Air has not only revealed its vision but is already executing it with precision.

Business Elite: A Taste of What’s to Come

At the front of the aircraft is what Riyadh Air calls “Business Elite,” a suite-within-a-suite experience featuring four oversized seats that convert into the only true double bed in the cabin. These occupy the front row monument, similar in concept to “business plus” offerings on other carriers—but with a unique spin.

Photo: Courtesy of RiyadhAir

While some might mistake it for First Class, CEO Tony Douglas clarified to The Design Air that this isn’t meant to be a First Class substitute. Instead, he revealed that “a third aircraft type with a dedicated First Class cabin” is coming later, and it will sit “above and beyond what we see here.”

Photo: Courtesy of RiyadhAir

Even without a formal First Class offering yet, the details in Business Elite are significant. Passengers can expect 32-inch 4K OLED screens, private sliding doors, 52-inch-high walls, and integrated Devialet speakers—developed in partnership with the French audio innovator—for immersive in-seat sound.

Photo: Courtesy of RiyadhAir

“This isn’t about adding glitz,” notes The Design Air. “It’s about elevating design to a new level… refinement of design that elevates an existing product.”

Design Meets Functionality

Riyadh Air’s 1-2-1 Business Class cabin is based on the Safran Unity seat as its foundation—the same seat platform selected by Japan Airlines, Air India, and Qantas for their upcoming premium cabins. But here, every element has been customized. Seats are 22.5 inches wide and 78 inches long, with sliding privacy doors and sculpted curved shells inspired by traditional Bedouin Bayt al-Sha’ar tents.

Photo: Courtesy of RiyadhAir

“Rather than feeling like a catalog product, the Unity seat here feels like a bespoke experience,” The Design Air notes. “At first glance, the cabin seems to mimic the undulating peaks of the Arabian desert… but it’s actually rooted in Saudi heritage.”

Materials play a central role in the narrative. Deep purple and indigo tones contrast with mocha gold, veined stone, and subtle peach accents. The effect is atmospheric, deliberate, and evocative of Riyadh’s skyline and desert hues.

Photo: Courtesy of RiyadhAir

Tech-forward features include 22-inch 4K screens, USB-C and USB-A ports, and direct streaming from platforms like Spotify. Devialet audio in the headrest is a first-of-its-kind enhancement, though traditional headphones will still be provided.

Premium Economy: Elevated Yet Practical

Premium Economy cabins are outfitted with the Recaro PL3530 seat in a 2-3-2 configuration—already considered one of the best in its class by carriers like Emirates. While the layout is standard, the design treatment is not.

Photo: Courtesy of RiyadhAir

“Privacy head wings, a calf rest, and lounge-style recline offer high levels of comfort,” reports The Design Air. “Design details elevate the experience.” Riyadh Air also promises a soft product—still under wraps—that aims to rival some Business Class offerings.

Photo: Courtesy of RiyadhAir

Seatback screens here measure 15.6 inches, and each seat includes USB-C charging. Color accents and materials echo those found in the upper cabins, creating a cohesive and considered design flow across the aircraft.

Economy: Cohesion from Front to Back

In Economy Class, Riyadh Air has opted for Recaro’s R3 seat in a 3-3-3 configuration, with 17.2 inches of width and 31 inches of pitch. While these are standard specs, the consistency of design across the fleet is what stands out.

Photo: Courtesy of RiyadhAir

“This is exactly the same seat that will be found on the A321neo,” Douglas confirmed to The Design Air, ensuring continuity for passengers switching between short- and long-haul flights.

Photo: Courtesy of RiyadhAir

Each seat features a 13.4-inch 4K screen and two USB-C charging ports. Adjustable six-way headrests and thoughtful detailing complete the experience. “Even Economy passengers enjoy a modern tech experience,” The Design Air observed.

Looking Ahead: Lounge, Service, and First Class

Beyond the aircraft, Riyadh Air is putting the finishing touches on its signature lounge in Riyadh. “The soft touches we’ve been promised will be delightfully decadent,” The Design Air notes, hinting at a continuation of the brand’s sensory and design-led ethos.

As for in-flight service, no menus or amenity kits have been revealed, but expectations are high. The airline’s uniforms—already unveiled to critical acclaim—offer a preview of the sophistication to come.

Photo: Courtesy of Riyadh Air

With a clear visual identity, deep respect for Saudi heritage, and a tangible investment in technology and comfort, Riyadh Air is positioning itself as a credible rival to the region’s top carriers.

“This is an aircraft interior that feels cohesive, curated, and beautifully considered,” concludes The Design Air. “It sets a new benchmark not just for the region, but globally.”