Commercial Aviation
Riyadh Air and Lufthansa Technik Forge Strategic Aviation Alliance
Riyadh Air partners with Lufthansa Technik in a 10-year deal to ensure fleet support and digital efficiency ahead of 2025 launch.
The global aviation landscape is witnessing the rise of a new, ambitious player. Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, is not just another airline; it represents a core component of the nation’s Vision 2030 framework, a strategic initiative aimed at economic diversification and development. Wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air is poised to connect over 100 destinations by 2030, establishing itself as a major global hub. As the airlines prepares for its inaugural flights in late 2025, the foundational decisions it makes today will dictate its trajectory for years to come. The stakes are high, and operational excellence is non-negotiable.
In a move that underscores its commitment to reliability and efficiency from day one, Riyadh Air has announced a landmark strategic partnerships with Lufthansa Technik. As a world-leading provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, Lufthansa Technik brings decades of experience and a global network to the table. This collaboration, formalized with a ceremonial signing at the Dubai Airshow, is more than a simple service agreement; it’s a ten-year alliance designed to ensure Riyadh Air’s fleet of brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners operates with maximum stability and safety. This partnership provides a critical look into how new airlines can de-risk their entry into a competitive market by leveraging the expertise of established industry leaders.
The agreement between Riyadh Air and Lufthansa Technik is a meticulously crafted framework aimed at ensuring the new airline can focus on its core mission: delivering a world-class, digitally native passenger experience. By outsourcing the complex and capital-intensive aspects of component maintenance and logistics, Riyadh Air secures a significant operational advantage right from the start. This partnership is built on several key pillars, each designed to provide comprehensive support for the airline’s ambitious growth plans.
The ten-year duration of this agreement is a clear signal of mutual confidence and long-term commitment. For a startup airline, securing such a lengthy partnership with an industry titan like Lufthansa Technik provides a stable and predictable operational foundation. It allows Riyadh Air to forecast maintenance costs accurately and avoid the immense capital expenditure and logistical challenges associated with building an in-house MRO infrastructure from scratch. This long-term view ensures that as Riyadh Air’s fleet grows, the support system scales with it seamlessly.
This strategic collaboration goes beyond a typical client-vendor relationship. It positions Lufthansa Technik as an integral partner in Riyadh Air’s journey. The agreement was structured to support the airline’s entire growth phase, from its initial launch through its planned expansion to over 100 destinations. This foresight is crucial for maintaining operational momentum and building a reputation for reliability, a key differentiator in the modern aviation market.
For Lufthansa Technik, the partnership solidifies its already strong presence in the rapidly expanding Middle Eastern aviation sector. Aligning with a high-profile, well-funded new carrier like Riyadh Air is a strategic victory, demonstrating the company’s ability to secure comprehensive, long-term contracts with the world’s most promising airlines. It’s a testament to their reputation and the value of their integrated service offerings.
At the heart of the agreement is Lufthansa Technik’s renowned Total Component Support (TCS) program. This service guarantees Riyadh Air 24/7 access to a global pool of spare parts for its initial fleet of 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Instead of purchasing and storing a vast and expensive inventory of components, Riyadh Air can rely on Lufthansa Technik’s worldwide network to supply the necessary parts whenever and wherever they are needed. This model significantly increases component availability and provides substantial cost advantages.
A critical element of the support system is the comprehensive Aircraft on Ground (AOG) support. An AOG situation, where an aircraft is unable to fly due to a technical issue, is one of the most costly and disruptive events an airline can face. The agreement ensures a rapid-response system with dedicated logistics to resolve these issues with minimal delay. This guarantee is vital for a new airline aiming to establish a reputation for punctuality and operational integrity. “Ensuring we have a strong partner in place like Lufthansa Technik for the provisioning of spare parts is critical to our operational performance. As a start up airline, to minimize the impact of any technical issues, we need immediate access to a broad pool of aircraft components across the globe that are available 24/7 and ready for installation.” – Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air
This level of support is particularly crucial for the technologically advanced Boeing 787-9 Commercial-Aircraft. The Dreamliner’s complex systems and composite structures require specialized maintenance and a robust supply chain. By partnering with Lufthansa Technik, Riyadh Air ensures it has access to the necessary expertise and parts to maintain its fleet to the highest standards of safety and performance.
Riyadh Air is positioning itself as the world’s first “digital-native” airline, a concept that extends from the passenger experience to its back-end operations. This forward-thinking identity aligns perfectly with Lufthansa Technik’s focus on digital MRO solutions. As part of the agreement, Riyadh Air will integrate Lufthansa Technik’s AMOS Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) software into its operations.
The AMOS platform will serve as the central nervous system for all of Riyadh Air’s maintenance, engineering, and logistics activities. This powerful Software suite enables efficient management of the entire technical operation, from planning routine maintenance checks to tracking component life cycles and ensuring strict compliance with international aviation regulations. By adopting this proven digital ecosystem, Riyadh Air can achieve higher levels of efficiency, data accuracy, and predictive maintenance capabilities.
This digital integration is a key enabler of operational stability, a point emphasized by Dr. Christian Leifeld, Chief Financial Officer at Lufthansa Technik. The Digital Tech Ops Ecosystem provided by Lufthansa Technik ensures that Riyadh Air’s technical operations are not only efficient but also scalable. As the airline’s fleet and network expand, the digital infrastructure will manage the increasing complexity, allowing the airline to maintain its high standards of performance and safety.
The strategic partnership between Riyadh Air and Lufthansa Technik is a textbook example of modern aviation strategy. For Riyadh Air, it is a foundational pillar that secures operational reliability, cost predictability, and scalability, allowing the new carrier to focus its resources on building its brand and network. By entrusting its component support and technical operations to a global leader, Riyadh Air mitigates significant risks associated with launching a new airline and accelerates its path toward becoming a major global player.
This alliance also highlights broader industry trends, particularly the growing importance of the Middle East as an aviation hub and the increasing reliance on comprehensive, outsourced MRO solutions. As new airlines enter the market with ambitious goals, partnerships like this will become increasingly critical for success. The collaboration between Riyadh Air and Lufthansa Technik is not just a business deal; it’s a powerful statement of intent and a blueprint for building a resilient, world-class airline from the ground up.
Question: When is Riyadh Air expected to begin flight operations? Question: What type of aircraft will Riyadh Air operate initially? Question: What key services does the partnership with Lufthansa Technik provide to Riyadh Air? Sources: Lufthansa Technik
Riyadh Air and Lufthansa Technik: A Strategic Alliance Forged for the Future of Aviation
Forging a Foundation for Operational Excellence
A Decade-Long Strategic Alliance
Comprehensive Component and AOG Support
The Digital Backbone: A Tech-Forward Approach
Concluding Section
FAQ
Answer: Riyadh Air is preparing for its launch and is set to commence operations by the end of 2025.
Answer: The airline’s initial fleet will consist of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. It has a firm order for 39 aircraft with options for an additional 33.
Answer: The ten-year agreement provides Total Component Support (TCS), which includes 24/7 access to a global spare parts pool, comprehensive Aircraft on Ground (AOG) support, and the integration of Lufthansa Technik’s AMOS digital platform for managing all maintenance, engineering, and logistics needs.
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Technik
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Qanot Sharq Receives First Airbus A321XLR in Central Asia
Qanot Sharq becomes Central Asia’s first operator of the Airbus A321XLR, expanding long-haul routes to North America and Asia from Tashkent.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and Qanot Sharq.
On December 19, 2025, Qanot Sharq, Uzbekistan’s first private airline, officially took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft. The delivery, facilitated through a lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC), marks a historic milestone for aviation in the region, as Qanot Sharq becomes the launch operator of the A321XLR in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
This aircraft is the first of four confirmed A321XLR units destined for the carrier. According to the official announcement, the airline intends to utilize the aircraft’s extended range to open new long-haul markets that were previously inaccessible to single-aisle jets, including planned services to North America and East Asia.
The newly delivered A321XLR is powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines and features a two-class layout designed to balance capacity with passenger comfort on longer sectors. The aircraft accommodates a total of 190 passengers.
In addition to the seating configuration, the aircraft is fitted with Airbus’ “Airspace” cabin interior. Key features include customizable LED lighting, lower cabin altitude settings to reduce jet lag, and XL overhead bins that provide 60% more storage capacity compared to previous generation aircraft.
Nosir Abdugafarov, the owner of Qanot Sharq, emphasized the strategic importance of the delivery in a statement regarding the fleet expansion.
“The A321XLR’s exceptional range and efficiency will allow us to offer greater comfort and convenience while maintaining highly competitive operating economics.”
, Nosir Abdugafarov, Owner of Qanot Sharq
The introduction of the A321XLR allows Qanot Sharq to deploy a narrowbody aircraft on routes typically reserved for widebody jets. With a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), the airline plans to connect Tashkent with destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America.
According to the airline’s strategic roadmap, the new fleet will support route expansion to Sanya (China) and Busan (South Korea). Furthermore, the airline has explicitly outlined plans to serve New York (JFK) via Budapest. While the A321XLR has impressive range, the distance between Tashkent and New York (approximately 5,500 nm) necessitates a technical stop. Budapest will serve as this intermediate point, potentially allowing the airline to tap into passenger demand between Central Europe and the United States, subject to regulatory approvals. AJ Abedin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Air Lease Corporation, noted the geographical advantages available to the airline.
“Qanot Sharq is uniquely positioned to unlock the full potential of the A321XLR due to its strategic location in Uzbekistan, bridging Europe and Asia.”
, AJ Abedin, SVP Marketing, Air Lease Corporation
The delivery of the A321XLR signals a distinct shift in the competitive landscape of Uzbek aviation. Until now, long-haul flights from Tashkent,specifically to the United States,have been the exclusive domain of the state-owned flag carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, which utilizes Boeing 787 Dreamliners for non-stop service.
By adopting the A321XLR, Qanot Sharq appears to be pursuing a “long-haul low-cost” hybrid model. The A321XLR burns approximately 30% less fuel per seat than previous-generation aircraft, allowing the private carrier to operate long routes with significantly lower trip costs than its state-owned competitor. While the one-stop service via Budapest will result in a longer total travel time compared to Uzbekistan Airways’ direct flights, the lower operating costs could allow Qanot Sharq to offer more competitive fares, appealing to price-sensitive travelers and labor migrants.
Furthermore, the choice of Budapest as a stopover is strategic. If Qanot Sharq secures “Fifth Freedom” rights,which are currently a subject of regulatory negotiation,it could monetize the empty seats on the Budapest-New York sector, effectively competing in the transatlantic market while serving its primary base in Central Asia.
Sources: Airbus Press Release, Air Lease Corporation
Qanot Sharq Becomes First Central Asian Operator of Airbus A321XLR
Aircraft Configuration and Capabilities
Strategic Network Expansion
AirPro News Analysis: The Long-Haul Low-Cost Shift
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Airlines Strategy
Kenya Airways Plans Secondary Hub in Accra with Project Kifaru
Kenya Airways advances plans for a secondary hub at Accra’s Kotoka Airport, leveraging partnerships and regional aircraft to boost intra-African connectivity.
This article summarizes reporting by AFRAA and official statements from Kenya Airways.
Kenya Airways (KQ) is moving forward with strategic plans to establish a secondary operational hub at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra, Ghana. According to reporting by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and recent company statements, this initiative represents a critical pillar of “Project Kifaru,” the airlines‘s three-year recovery and growth roadmap.
The proposed expansion aims to deepen intra-African connectivity by positioning Accra as a pivotal node for West African operations. Rather than launching a wholly-owned subsidiary, a model that requires heavy capital expenditure, Kenya Airways intends to utilize a partnership-driven approach, leveraging existing relationships with regional carriers to feed long-haul networks.
While the Kenyan government formally requested permission for the hub in May 2025, Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka confirmed in December 2025 that the plan remains under active study. A final decision on the full execution of the project is expected in 2026.
The core of the Accra strategy involves basing aircraft directly in West Africa to serve high-demand regional routes. According to details emerging from the planning phase, Kenya Airways intends to deploy three Embraer E190-E1 aircraft to Kotoka International Airport. These aircraft will facilitate regional connections, feeding passengers into the carrier’s long-haul network and supporting the logistics needs of the region.
This operational shift marks a departure from the traditional “hub-and-spoke” model centered exclusively on Nairobi. By establishing a presence in Ghana, KQ aims to capture traffic in a market currently dominated by competitors such as Ethiopian Airlines (via its ASKY partner in Lomé) and Air Côte d’Ivoire.
A key component of this strategy is the airline’s collaboration with Ghana-based Africa World Airlines (AWA). Kenya Airways signed a codeshare agreement with AWA in May 2022. This partnership allows KQ to connect passengers from its Nairobi-Accra service to AWA’s domestic and regional network, covering destinations like Kumasi, Takoradi, Lagos, and Abuja.
Industry observers note that this “capital-light” model reduces the financial risks associated with starting a new airline from scratch. Instead of competing directly on every thin route, KQ can rely on AWA to provide feed traffic while focusing its own metal on key trunk routes. The push for a West African hub comes as Kenya Airways navigates a complex financial recovery. The airline reported a significant milestone in the 2024 full financial year, posting an operating profit of Ksh 10.5 billion and a net profit of Ksh 5.4 billion, its first profit in 11 years. This resurgence provided the initial confidence to pursue the growth phase of Project Kifaru.
However, the first half of 2025 presented renewed challenges. The airline reported a Ksh 12.2 billion loss for the period, attributed largely to currency volatility and the grounding of its Boeing 787 fleet due to global spare parts shortages. These financial realities underscore the necessity of the proposed low-capital expansion model in Accra.
The strategy focuses on collaboration with existing African carriers rather than creating a new airline from scratch.
, Summary of Kenya Airways’ strategic approach
The viability of the Accra hub relies heavily on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and “Fifth Freedom” rights, which allow an airline to fly between two foreign countries. West Africa has been a leader in implementing these protocols, making Accra a legally feasible location for a secondary hub.
Furthermore, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat is headquartered in Accra. Kenya Airways is positioning itself to support the trade bloc by facilitating the movement of people and cargo between East and West Africa. The airline has already introduced Boeing 737-800 freighters to serve key destinations including Lagos, Dakar, Freetown, and Monrovia.
The decision to delay a final “go/no-go” confirmation until 2026 suggests a prudent approach by Kenya Airways management. While the West African market is lucrative, it is also saturated with aggressive competitors like Air Peace and the well-entrenched ASKY/Ethiopian Airlines alliance. By opting for a partnership model with Africa World Airlines rather than a full subsidiary, KQ avoids the “cash burn” trap that led to the collapse of previous pan-African airline ventures. If successful, this could serve as a blueprint for other mid-sized African carriers looking to expand without overleveraging their balance sheets.
What aircraft will be based in Accra? When will the hub become operational? How does this affect the Nairobi hub?
Kenya Airways Advances Plans for Secondary Hub in Accra Under ‘Project Kifaru’
Operational Strategy: The ‘Mini-Hub’ Model
Partnership with Africa World Airlines
Financial Context and ‘Project Kifaru’
Regulatory Landscape and Competition
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Current plans indicate that Kenya Airways intends to base three Embraer E190-E1 aircraft at Kotoka International Airport.
While planning is underway and government requests have been filed, a final decision on full execution is not expected until 2026.
Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) remains the primary hub. The Accra facility is designed as a secondary node to improve regional connectivity and feed traffic back into the global network.
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer – E190
Commercial Aviation
Derazona Helicopters Receives First H160 for Energy Missions in Southeast Asia
Airbus delivers the first H160 to Derazona Helicopters in Indonesia, enhancing offshore oil and gas transport with advanced fuel-efficient technology.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus Helicopters.
On December 19, 2025, Airbus Helicopters officially delivered the first H160 rotorcraft to Derazona Helicopters (PT. Derazona Air Service) in Jakarta, Indonesia. According to the manufacturer’s announcement, this delivery represents a significant regional milestone, as Derazona becomes the first operator in Southeast Asia to utilize the H160 specifically for energy sector missions, including offshore oil and gas transport.
The handover marks the culmination of a strategic acquisition process that began with an initial order in April 2021. Derazona, a historic Indonesian aviation company established in 1971, intends to deploy the medium-class helicopter for a variety of critical missions, ranging from offshore transport to utility operations and commercial passenger services.
The introduction of the H160 into the Indonesian market signals a shift toward modernizing aging fleets in the archipelago. Derazona Helicopters stated that the aircraft will play a pivotal role in their expansion within the oil and gas sector, a primary economic driver for the region.
In a statement regarding the delivery, Ramadi Widyardiono, Director of Production at Derazona Helicopters, emphasized the operational advantages of the new airframe:
“The arrival of our first H160 marks an exciting chapter for Derazona Helicopters. As the pioneer operator of this aircraft for energy missions in Southeast Asia, we are eager to deploy its unique capabilities to serve our various clients with the highest levels of safety and efficiency. The H160’s proven performance will be key to reinforcing our position as a leader in helicopter services in Southeast Asia.”
Airbus executives echoed this sentiment, highlighting the aircraft’s suitability for the demanding geography of Indonesia. Regis Magnac, Vice President Head of Energy, Leasing and Global Accounts at Airbus Helicopters, noted the importance of this partnership:
“We are proud to see the H160 enter service in Southeast Asia, cementing our relationship with Derazona as they become the region’s launch customer for energy missions. The H160 represents a true generational leap, built to be an efficient, reliable, and comfortable workhorse, perfectly suited for the demanding operational requirements of the Indonesian energy sector.”
According to technical data provided by Airbus, the H160 is designed to replace previous-generation medium helicopters such as the AS365 Dauphin and H155. The aircraft incorporates several proprietary technologies aimed at improving safety and reducing environmental impact.
Key technical features cited in the release include: Airbus claims the H160 delivers a 15% reduction in fuel burn compared to previous generation engines, aligning with the energy sector’s increasing focus on reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions in their logistics supply chains.
The delivery of the H160 to Derazona Helicopters reflects a broader trend we are observing across the Asia-Pacific aviation market: the prioritization of “eco-efficient” logistics. As oil and gas majors face stricter carbon reporting requirements, the pressure cascades down to their logistics providers.
By adopting the H160, Derazona is not merely upgrading its fleet age; it is positioning itself competitively to bid for contracts with energy multinationals that now weigh carbon footprint heavily in their tender processes. The move away from legacy airframes like the Bell 412 or Sikorsky S-76 toward next-generation composite aircraft suggests that fuel efficiency is becoming as critical a metric as payload capacity in the offshore sector.
Who is the operator of the new H160? What is the primary use of this aircraft? How does the H160 improve upon older helicopters? When was this specific aircraft ordered? Sources: Airbus Helicopters Press Release
Derazona Helicopters Becomes Southeast Asia’s First H160 Energy Operator
Modernizing Indonesia’s Energy Fleet
Technical Profile: The H160
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The operator is PT. Derazona Air Service (Derazona Helicopters), an Indonesian aviation company headquartered at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Jakarta.
It will be used primarily for offshore energy transport (supporting oil rigs), as well as utility missions and VIP transport.
The H160 offers a 15% reduction in fuel consumption, significantly lower noise levels due to Blue Edge™ blades, and advanced Helionix® avionics for improved safety.
Derazona originally placed the order for this H160 in April 2021.
Photo Credit: Airbus
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