Riyadh Air Premium Cabins: Can They Challenge the ME3?
Riyadh Air is hitting the skies with a big goal. They want to change how people fly in the Middle East. After testing their economy class, it is time to look at the high-end seats. We flew from Jeddah to Riyadh to test the Premium Economy and Business Class cabins. The big question is whether this new airline can beat the big three giants like Emirates and Qatar Airways.
This review looks at the actual experience. We check the seat layouts, the food, and the small details that make or break a flight. While the look of the plane is top-tier, the real test is whether it feels as good as it looks.
Riyadh Air's Premium Seat Configuration: A Strategic Approach
The seat map for the Boeing 787-9 reveals a clear plan. The airline is not just trying to be fancy. They are focusing on the seats that make the most money.
Business Class: Compact but Potentially Exclusive
The main Business Class cabin is surprisingly small. There are only 24 standard seats. This is a conservative number for a plane this size. It makes the cabin feel more exclusive, but it also means fewer high-paying seats overall.
Business Elite: A First-Class Experience?
At the very front, there are four Business Elite seats. These cost extra and feel more like a First Class suite than a business seat. They offer way more space and privacy than the standard offering. It is a tiered system that targets travelers who want the absolute best.
Premium Economy: Prioritizing Profitability
The real focus seems to be on Premium Economy. There are 39 seats in a 2-3-2 layout. This is where the airline makes its money. By packing more people into a "premium" product, they maximize the use of the onboard space.
First Impressions: Cabin Aesthetics and Crew Experience
Walking onto the plane is a visual treat. The design is a home run. It does not look like a standard plane; it looks like a luxury hotel.
The colors are a mix of deep purple, gold, and dark marble. The mood lighting stays active even during the day, which adds to the vibe. The stitching on the seats is clean, and the overall look is stunning.
The crew is also a highlight. Many come from other big Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates or Etihad. Because the airline is new, there is no seniority yet. You might find the same crew member working in economy one day and business the next. This keeps the service fresh and flexible.
Premium Economy: Style Over Substance?
Riyadh Air claims its Premium Economy is better than some other airlines' business class. That might be true for short regional flights, but it falls short for long hauls.
Seat Comfort vs. Aesthetic Appeal
The seats look great, but comfort is a mixed bag. The recline is generous, which helps you sleep. However, the headrest is made of hard plastic and does not provide much support. You end up leaning against it rather than being cradled by it.
Legroom is also a bit tight. If the person in front of you reclines fully, it can be hard to get out of a window seat. This makes the aisle seat the best choice if you are traveling alone.
Lavatory Access and Shared Facilities
One big downside is the bathroom situation. Premium Economy passengers have to share toilets with the economy cabin. Most premium products have their own bathrooms or share with business class. Having to walk back to the economy section feels cheap when you are paying a premium price.
Premium Economy Amenities and Connectivity
The tech is where this cabin wins. Each passenger gets four USB-C ports. Two are in the seat and two are under the screen. This is way more than most airlines provide. Just remember to bring a USB-C cable, as there are no USB-A or AC power plugs.
Pre-Departure Service: A Taste of Saudi Hospitality
The service before takeoff is the best part. You get a choice of water or orange juice, followed by a hot towel. Then, the crew serves traditional Saudi coffee and dates. This is a level of service rarely seen in Premium Economy.
Business Class: A Luxurious Enclave
The Business Class cabin is a feast for the eyes. It uses a design that looks like sand dunes in the desert.
The Business Elite Distinction
The Business Elite seats are in a league of their own. They are massive and feel like a private room. Compared to standard business products, these are astronomically better. They rival the best first-class suites in the world.
Seat Design and Privacy Features
The standard seats use the Safran Unity platform. They have very high walls that give you great privacy. However, the seat in front is very close. For taller passengers, knees might hit the seat in front before you recline.
Storage and Functionality
The tray table is sturdy and folds out from underneath. You can push it to the side to exit your seat. Storage is a bit lacking, though. There are no dedicated spots for shoes or laptops on the side, which can make the space feel cluttered.
In-Cabin Connectivity and Entertainment
The entertainment screen does not tilt or swivel. This is annoying if you want to watch a movie while lying flat. Even worse is the lack of individual air vents. Most premium airlines let you control your own airflow, but Riyadh Air skipped this feature.
Lavatory Experience: Premium Touches
The bathrooms in business are bright and spacious. They use the same high-end materials as the cabin. One nice touch is the addition of a foot pedal for the bin, which keeps things more hygienic.
Bed Comfort and Cabin Acoustics
The seat turns into a comfortable bed. Because the walls are lined with fabric, the cabin is much quieter. The fabric absorbs the engine noise, making it easier to sleep. There are also speakers built into the headrest, though they can feel a bit jarring and are not as good as noise-canceling headphones.
Service and Amenities: The Riyadh Air Difference
Service is smooth because the crew is well-trained. Even on a short 90-minute flight, the attention to detail is high.
The meal service is a standout. In business, we had a falafel wrap, a mezze bowl with hummus and tabbouleh, and cheesecake. Even the water glasses have a subtle purple tint. It is some of the best food we have seen on a short flight.
The amenity kits are branded and functional. They include the basics like an eye mask. The pajamas are comfortable but made of a polyester-type material that might get hot. They also lack pockets, which is a small but annoying omission.
Final Thoughts: A Stunning Contender with Room to Grow
Riyadh Air is visually breathtaking. They have mastered the look and the pre-departure ritual. However, the airline seems to prioritize profit over prestige.
The planes are densely configured. This means more seats and more money, but less room for the passenger. By being a "dry airline" with no alcohol, they also lose a key appeal for many Western travelers.
Riyadh Air feels like a sexier, modernized version of Saudia. It is a great choice for people flying to and from Riyadh. But to truly challenge the ME3, they need to move beyond aesthetics. They need more space and a more flexible approach to luxury. For now, it is a stunning contender that is clearly built to make money.