Riyadh Air Joins IATA and Adopts CO2 Connect Program

Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, officially joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and adopted the organization’s CO2 Connect emissions tracking program on June 15, 2026, during the 82nd IATA World Air Transport Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The announcement, detailed in a company press release, integrates the newly launched Airlines into the global aviation ecosystem alongside 360 member airlines. The adoption of the CO2 Connect program signals an early commitment to environmental transparency, utilizing actual fuel burn data rather than theoretical models to measure greenhouse gas Emissions.

Integration into the global aviation framework

The agreement was formalized by Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, and Vincent Coste, Riyadh Air Chief Commercial Officer. IATA represents airlines from 129 countries and territories, accounting for approximately 85 percent of global air traffic.

“Becoming an IATA member is a tribute to the dedication and hard work undertaken by our teams to meet and surpass the highest industry Standards and gives us a seat at the table alongside global airline peers who have been members since the organization’s inception in 1945,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh welcomed the carrier, noting the organization looks forward to Riyadh Air’s contribution in shaping industry priorities and supporting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

Emissions tracking and operational launch

The IATA CO2 Connect program provides advanced carbon emission transparency. By relying on specific operational metrics and actual fuel burn data, the tool allows passengers to make eco-conscious choices based on accurate figures rather than generic estimates. This aligns with the broader aviation industry target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The IATA membership follows Riyadh Air’s transition from a Startups to an active operator. The airline recently completed its inaugural commercial flights and currently operates daily services connecting Riyadh to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah. Additional routes to Cairo, Dubai, and Madrid are scheduled to Launch in the coming weeks. The carrier operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, designed to support the nation’s Vision 2030 economic diversification goals.

AirPro News analysis

Securing IATA membership at this early stage of operations is a standard but critical regulatory and commercial milestone for Riyadh Air. By adopting the CO2 Connect program from day one, the carrier avoids the complex legacy system migrations that older airlines face when implementing modern emissions tracking. We view this dual announcement at the 82nd IATA World Air Transport Summit as a calculated move to establish immediate credibility with international partners and passengers as the airline rapidly scales its route network out of Saudi Arabia.

Sources: Riyadh Air