Riyadh Air (RX) is one of the most ambitious new airlines in the world, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and created as a major part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aviation strategy. The airline began commercial operations in 2025 and is now rapidly building its network, fleet and international partnerships.
At the centre of that project is Tony Douglas, the British aviation executive who previously served as CEO of Etihad Airways (EY). He was appointed CEO of Riyadh Air in March 2023 and remains in the position in 2026.
Unlike publicly listed airlines, Riyadh Air does not disclose a detailed executive remuneration report. Consequently, there is no officially published figure for Douglas’ 2026 salary. Riyadh Air itself had also indicated during its recruitment drive that it had not publicly announced its salary structures.
Based on available industry estimates, Douglas’ compensation is believed to be considerably higher than a conventional airline CEO salary, reflecting the scale of the project, his previous Gulf experience and the strategic importance of Riyadh Air to Saudi Arabia.
Who is Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas?
Tony Douglas has more than four decades of experience across aviation, transport, logistics and government-related organisations.
Before joining Riyadh Air, he was CEO of Etihad Aviation Group from 2018 to 2022. During his time at Etihad, he led a major restructuring programme aimed at reducing costs and improving the airline’s financial position.
His earlier career included senior roles at BAA, Heathrow Airport, Laing O’Rourke, Abu Dhabi Ports, Abu Dhabi Airports and the UK’s Defence Equipment and Support organisation.
Douglas was appointed CEO of Riyadh Air in March 2023 and was given the task of building the airline essentially from scratch.
His responsibilities include:
- Building Riyadh Air’s global network.
- Establishing the airline’s operating infrastructure.
- Overseeing its large aircraft acquisition programme.
- Developing the airline’s premium brand.
- Creating strategic international partnerships.
- Building a technology-led customer experience.
- Recruiting thousands of employees.
- Positioning Riyadh as a major global aviation hub.
By 2026, Riyadh Air had moved from being a start-up project to an operating airline, with Tony Douglas continuing to lead the business.
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Tony Douglas Salary and Compensation in 2026
Tony Douglas’ exact 2026 remuneration is not publicly disclosed. Riyadh Air is a privately held company backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, so it does not provide the same level of executive pay disclosure expected from a listed airline.
Industry estimates place Douglas’ base salary at approximately SAR 11–11.5 million per year, equivalent to around US$3.0 million.
When performance bonuses, executive benefits and long-term incentives are considered, his estimated overall compensation could reach approximately SAR 15–20 million, or roughly US$4.0–5.3 million, in a strong performance year.
The estimated 2026 package can therefore be presented as:
- Estimated base salary: SAR 11–11.5 million
- Estimated annual bonus: SAR 2–4 million
- Estimated benefits and allowances: SAR 1–2 million
- Estimated total compensation: SAR 15–20 million
- Approximate US dollar equivalent: US$4.0–5.3 million
These figures should be treated as estimates rather than an officially confirmed salary. Public information does not provide a formal breakdown of Douglas’ remuneration.
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Peer Comparison
Tony Douglas’ estimated SAR 15–20 million total annual compensation places him within the upper tier of Gulf airline executives, although direct comparisons are difficult because the major Middle Eastern carriers generally do not publish detailed CEO remuneration figures.
At Emirates, President Sir Tim Clark is one of the most experienced airline executives in the region. His compensation reflects Emirates’ enormous scale, profitability and global network, making him a natural benchmark for Douglas as Riyadh Air develops.
At Qatar Airways, Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker’s long tenure was followed by a new leadership era under Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. Qatar Airways operates at a vastly greater scale than Riyadh Air today, so its executive compensation structure is naturally difficult to compare directly with a start-up carrier.
Douglas’ estimated package is therefore best viewed as compensation for building a future global airline, rather than simply managing an established carrier. Riyadh Air has ambitions to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030 and has orders or commitments covering a fleet of up to 182 aircraft, making the potential long-term value of the project substantially larger than its current operating scale.
Riyadh Air’s Strategic Focus for 2026
Riyadh Air’s biggest priority in 2026 is moving from start-up mode into sustained commercial growth.
The airline began commercial operations in October 2025 and has subsequently expanded its network across key international markets. By mid-2026, it had begun services to destinations including London, Dubai, Cairo, Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester, while continuing to develop additional routes.
Fleet growth is central to the strategy. Riyadh Air has orders covering Boeing 787 aircraft, Airbus A321neos and 50 Airbus A350-1000s, giving it the foundations for a substantial long-haul operation.
The airline plans to reach more than 100 destinations by 2030 and is targeting a position as a major global connecting carrier based in Riyadh.
Premium travel is another key focus. Riyadh Air’s Business Elite product is designed to compete directly with the best premium offerings from established Gulf carriers, while the company has also discussed the possibility of introducing first class on future extra-widebody aircraft.
Technology is equally important. Douglas has positioned Riyadh Air as a digitally native airline, with technology intended to underpin booking, customer service, personalisation and the overall travel experience.
The airline is also developing partnerships with major international carriers, helping it expand its reach while its own fleet and network continue to grow.
For Douglas, the challenge in 2026 is therefore much larger than simply launching flights. He is effectively building an entirely new global aviation brand and attempting to establish Riyadh as a major international hub.
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Bottom Line
Tony Douglas’ exact salary in 2026 is not publicly disclosed, making it impossible to give an officially confirmed remuneration figure.
Current industry estimates suggest a base salary of approximately SAR 11–11.5 million, with total annual compensation potentially reaching SAR 15–20 million (US$4.0–5.3 million) once bonuses and executive benefits are included.
That would make Douglas one of the better-compensated airline executives in the Middle East, although his package remains difficult to compare directly with Emirates and Qatar Airways because of differences in ownership structures and disclosure.
More importantly, Douglas’ role is unusual. He is not simply managing an established airline; he is building Riyadh Air from the ground up with ambitions of reaching more than 100 destinations and becoming a major global carrier.
As the airline expands its fleet and network throughout 2026, Douglas’ compensation is likely to remain closely connected to the successful execution of this enormous growth strategy.
Riyadh Air CEO Salary FAQs
Tony Douglas’ exact salary has not been publicly disclosed. His estimated base salary is approximately SAR 11–11.5 million per year, or around US$3 million.
Douglas’ estimated compensation is in the same broad Gulf airline executive category, although Emirates operates on a vastly larger scale. Exact comparisons are difficult because detailed executive remuneration is not publicly disclosed consistently across Gulf carriers.
His main priorities are expanding Riyadh Air’s network and fleet, establishing Riyadh as a global aviation hub, developing premium products, strengthening international partnerships and building a digitally led airline capable of serving more than 100 destinations by 2030.
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