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Riyadh Air Unveils New Interiors
Let’s get this out of the way first, Riyadh Air is dry. As in, no alcohol onboard at all (for now). That’s going to be a sticking point for some, especially in premium cabins where a glass of Champagne is practically part of the boarding ritual. Regardless, Riyadh Air is betting it can win you over without it.
There has been a growing feeling that Saudi Arabia will allow alcohol sales in hotels in the near future and we suspect that the airline will move with this change too.
Set to launch in late 2025, the Saudi start-up has just revealed its cabin interiors, and they do look pretty impressive. Think luxury materials, calming colours, huge 4K screens (32” in Business Elite), and top-notch tech, all wrapped in a design that blends modern minimalism with subtle Saudi touches.
Business Elite looks to basically be first class in disguise, sliding doors, 52” privacy walls, companion benches, and Devialet speakers built into the headrests so you can ditch the headphones. There are only four of these suites on each plane, and they even convert to a double bed in the middle pair.
Business Class has the same privacy-focused layout and high-spec finish, with 24 suites featuring lie-flat beds, 22” screens, and proper bedding, including pyjamas.
Premium Economy brings lounge-style recliners, 38” pitch, calf rests, and a very generous four USB-C ports per seat, while Economy still manages to impress with 4K screens, USB-C charging, and a well-designed cabin with soft lighting and lavender tones.
Every cabin has free high-speed Wi-Fi (if you join the loyalty programme), and all the tech is controlled via the Riyadh Air app, no wireless charging though, which feels like a miss.
Riyadh Air has ordered 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for 33 more, and 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft. The 787s will handle long-haul routes, while the A321neos are set for regional and medium-haul flights. The airline aims to connect to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, positioning Riyadh as a major global aviation hub.
Of course, Saudi Arabia remains a controversial and divisive destination for many. But with more premium options now connecting Europe and Asia via the Middle East, Riyadh Air offers a new alternative to the usual Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi hubs and one that’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Virgin Atlantic’s New LAX Clubhouse Joins Priority Pass
Virgin Atlantic’s brand-new Clubhouse, opened just weeks ago on 28 March and is now available to Priority Pass members. But there is a catch, you’ll need to pay an extra $35 per person at the door.
This isn’t a typical Priority Pass lounge. For starters, it’s small (just 4,400 sq ft) and tucked into Etihad’s former space on Level 6, no windows, no views. But it’s very Virgin in vibe, with moody lighting, bold design and a few quirky spaces like:
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The Ruby Room, a cinema lounge with Bluetooth headsets
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The Wing, work pods named after iconic music studios
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The Royal Box, a VIP area with mood lighting and chocolate-covered strawberries
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The Zen Den, a chilled-out mindfulness studio
There’s also a la carte food, barista coffee, a self-serve buffet, cocktails, and showers. The lounge is open to Virgin Upper Class, Delta One, and eligible SkyTeam elites, but now Priority Pass holders can access it too, within limited hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m. and 8 p.m.–11 p.m.) and only for up to three hours before their flight.
Why is there a surcharge?
Priority Pass usually pays lounges a fixed amount per visit (usually around $20), but with this being a premium space, they clearly couldn’t swallow the whole overhead. So the model here is part Priority Pass, part passenger. If Virgin’s internal value on their new lounge is closer to $60 per head, this hybrid setup helps them monetise the lounge more smartly, while still offering access to more travellers.
With many Priority Pass lounges being full and having to pre-book. This fee could reduce overcrowding and still give you access to a solid experience with great food and drinks, something you’d struggle to get for $35 in most airport restaurants anyway.
You can read our recent guide on Priority Pass here, and buy annual passes with a 30% discount here.
1 comment
In-seat speakers for IFE is a disaster waiting to happen in terms of air rage. In particular on Middle Eastern airlines where crew tend to be timid, and passengers include the type of people not used to being told no.