A few months ago, I covered the new Riyadh Air livery, and how that in principal it’s one of the most elegant new liveries in the skies, but it the logotype on the fuselage was a little too dominant...

A few months ago, I covered the new Riyadh Air livery, and how that in principal it’s one of the most elegant new liveries in the skies, but it the logotype on the fuselage was a little too dominant for an elegant, premium carrier. Well, it seems like they’ve listened, as not only their new second livery features a more balanced weighting more akin to a premium carrier, but it seems with the new visuals, the original Indigo livery will be amended to reflect this new look too.

“The latest livery continues Riyadh Air’s indigo theme with striking lines inspired by the twisting canopies of traditional Bedouin tents and elegant curves of Arabic calligraphy,” states Riyadh Air. Now it might just be coincidence that Anton Vidgen, VP Guest Experience is ex-Air Canada, but the bold new look features a similar sweeping cockpit window design – like an Arabic Raccoon, whatever that might be.

Now we love the fact that the indigo signature theme is contrasted beautifully against a light unique iridescent fuselage that reflects purity and the future-focused vision of Saudi Arabia. Now this pearlised approach to liveries in the Middle East isn’t new. Both Gulf Air and Etihad do something very similar that really make the aircraft shine in the sun.

Tony Douglas, CEO, Riyadh Air, said the second livery is another statement of intent from the new airline, “As the largest start-up in commercial aviation in decades we are delighted to unveil to the world Riyadh Air’s second livery which will be unmistakable when it takes to the skies in 2025 as we become one of the first international carriers to have permanent dual-liveries on an active fleet.”

Now that might be true, there are only a few carriers that offer a variety of designs, but there are some carriers that have taken it much further, such as JetBlue, Norwegian, Condor, Frontier, Air Tahiti and more recently Air India Express, that all opt for a wide range of designs to keep their fleet unique and av-geek collectable.

A game of spot the difference. Notice the Logotype is larger on the original livery and the “R” tail-fin logo is cropped at the edges.

One thing is for sure, with limited elements at the moment to shout about, Riyadh Air is making bold, clear statements that are setting a new scene in the Middle East. Even with today’s FlyDubai wide-body order (read: how many different business classes will FlyDubai have!) there were two clear camps of international contender, mass market (Qatar, Emirates, Saudia) and Boutique carriers (Oman Air, Gulf Air, Etihad) – It seems Riyadh Air could be positioning itself as a clear wedge between the two camps, offering the best of both worlds.

I’m sure there will be even more announcements soon, but with deep pockets, we’re going to be expecting some amazing things from Riyadh Air in the coming months.

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