" Building an Airline: My Internship Experience at Riyadh Air "

When I received the offer to intern at Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s soon-to-launch luxury airline, I knew it would be special—but I didn’t realize how transformative it would be. Over a few fast-paced months, I went from student to contributor, witnessing firsthand the creation of an airline from the ground up, and being part of a project that will soon reshape the region's aviation landscape.

Placed in the Revenue Management department, I explored how data, pricing, and strategy shape commercial success. From dynamic pricing models and ancillary revenue streams to market segmentation and forecasting, every project deepened my understanding of how airlines turn insight into action. I also
gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge systems like Sabre and Flyr, learning how technology powers every facet of modern aviation.

Beyond technical skills, I learned the “language of aviation”—terms like GDS, NDC, and IATA’s Offer & Order model—concepts that are actively reshaping how the industry operates. I even contributed to improving Riyadh Air’s digital user experience, helping ensure the airline’s website reflects the premium service and design the brand aims to deliver.

Perhaps most valuable were the mentors and cross-functional collaborations that shaped my learning , from marketing to network planning and highlighting the importance of communication as well as agility in a start-up environment. This internship didn’t just teach me, it inspired me. Riyadh Air showed me what happens when vision, innovation, and teamwork take flight.

This was more than an internship—it was a front-row seat to the future of aviation being built in real time.