NEOM Airlines chief executive Klaus Goersch has announced that the airline will begin operations in 2024, from the existing NEOM Bay Airport.
The airline will later move its operations to the soon-to-be-built Neom International Airport, he said, adding that while the airline will make use of existing planes, it plans to invest in ultra-modern aircraft from 2026 onwards.
“The airline will be operational at the end of 2024 and will be focused on enabling travel for tourists, residents, and commercial partners to and from NEOM," Mr Goersch said.
“In the first instance out of NEOM Bay Airport, which is already open with Saudia flights domestically as well as to London and Dubai, and then from the NEOM International Airport later in the cycle.
“Our resorts will be going live in early 2024, so we need to service that demand quickly, initially retrofitting existing aircraft with existing technology," the former chief operating officer of British Airways and Air Canada added.
“But come 2026 onwards, there will be new innovative aircraft – whether it be electric, hydrogen-powered or supersonic – and next-generation interiors coming online from us."
Mr Goersch explained that the new airline is also planning to use biometric facial recognition technology to replace departure gates and make travel visa-free.
“Just imagine if your bags were collected from your home or office and delivered to the hotel or residence you were going to,” said Goersch.
“Imagine if biometrics were advanced enough to recognise you via facial recognition as soon as you walked in a building, security clearing you for travel without the need for even going through a gate – let alone having to bother with a visa.”
The plans, which were revealed in an article on the company's website, also revealed that the upcoming airline is looking to redefine in-flight entertainment with 6G Wi-Fi, large screens at every seat, in-seat gaming and chat technology incorporated on aircraft.
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