Riyadh Air Joins Global Efforts to Reduce Emissions with Saudi Arabia's First Electric Bus
Riyadh Air, planning to commence commercial operations in 2025, has unveiled Saudi Arabia's inaugural 47-seat electric coach for transporting its workforce. This project, developed in partnership with National Transportation Solutions Company and TAM-Europe, is aimed at minimizing the airline's environmental impact and is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which the airline endorsed in early 2024.
The introduction of the electric coach is a significant aspect of Riyadh Air's broader initiative to cut carbon emissions, aligning with the airline's comprehensive global approach to sustainability. This effort is part of several initiatives by the company, including improving fuel efficiency and enhancing safety measures during flights. Riyadh Air has set a goal to establish connections between Saudi Arabia and 100 destinations worldwide, both international and regional, by the year 2030.
In addition to Riyadh Air's initiative, other transportation companies are also making significant strides towards sustainability. For example, Finnair has committed to cutting its net emissions in half by 2025, focusing on reducing aircraft weight and investing in biofuels made from local waste. Similarly, Hurtigruten has invested €100 million to upgrade its fleet, including the transformation of three ships into hybrid-powered vessels, reducing carbon emissions by 25%. These examples highlight a growing trend in the transportation industry towards more eco-friendly practices.
As Riyadh Air adopts electric buses, it's part of a wider effort across the transportation sector to cut down on carbon emissions. This move aligns with a broader industry shift towards sustainability, reflecting how transport companies are responding to environmental concerns.