NEOM Airlines is planned to take to skies in 2024 and is targeting "new era" CX: biometric check-ins, instant loyalty awards, supersonic planes and global connectivity,
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GLOKlaus Goersch, CEO of NEOM Airlines and former top executive of BA, gave some insights into his vision and goals for NEOM.
NEOM Airlines is set to commence operations by the end of 2024, offering innovative services such as biometric check-ins, in-flight gaming, and supersonic travel. Initially, NEOM Airlines will operate from NEOM Bay Airport, and later move to the newly constructed Neom International Airport.
Klaus Goersch is leading the airline and is optimistic that it will have a similar impact on the city as Emirates Airline had on Dubai.
Goersch stated that NEOM Airlines plans to expand globally and create a worldwide aviation hub. The airline aims to provide a unique travel experience by eliminating the usual hassles of air travel, such as carrying luggage and applying for visas. Goersch compared the NEOM Airlines experience to that of private aviation and being part of an elite group. He described a futuristic scenario where bags are collected from passengers’ homes or offices and delivered directly to their destination, and where biometric technology is advanced enough to recognize passengers instantly, allowing them to bypass security gates and visa requirements.
Goersch commented that NEOM is targeting to redefine in-flight entertainment and take it to the next level with 6G Wi-Fi, large screens at every seat, in-seat gaming and chat technology incorporated on aircraft. “This new future is what we are building in the North West of Saudi Arabia,” said Goersch. “The goal is to make the traveller journey as seamless as possible. Due to the fact we are building a new destination, new airports and a new airline all at the same time – there is a sense that we can achieve this to a level that just has not been seen before.”}
NEOM is trying to repeat “what Emirates done for Dubai”, e.g complement and provide access. In terms of what the airline will do for the US$500bn super-city, he said: “The airline will be an extension of NEOM: The place, the company, the vision. We are there to enable the destination. Our goal is a holistic and interconnected approach, with NEOM Airlines enabling the gross domestic product of NEOM.
Goersch expects the new service will be “futuristic and efficient”, adding: “I can honestly say the opportunity here is way beyond anything else out there.”
With regards to loyalty, Goersch said: “Better still, imagine you are collecting loyalty points at the airport – where the whole place is lounge-style service – as well as while flying and when using the facilities in your destination, because everything is owned by the same company.”
On aircraft fleet: Goersch went on to say the airline will initially retrofit existing aircraft in order to get the carrier up and running, before shifting to new planes. “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. We are already in discussions with plane, interior and seat manufacturers,” he wrote.
On sustainability Goersch said the airline’s ambition is for every flight to have “some sustainable fuel onboard” originating from mixing facilities at NEOM. “Sustainability will even stretch into the catering, with foods sourced locally from here and delivered via on-demand dining at a time when you actually feel like eating. ..We will look at every single component right down to the carpets and single-use plastics…Little things like this will accumulate and add up to more than the sum of their parts.”
