As Riyadh Air prepares for departure later this year, it’s not just the top-of-the-range aircraft or the uniforms that debuted at Paris Fashion that are making waves, now it’s the news of what is set to be served onboard.
The era of repetitive inflight service is over. Last week, when Riyadh Air announced it would serve Saudi Milaf Cola, locally sourced dates, and traditional Saudi coffee onboard, it wasn’t just curating a menu, it was making a statement. This is the taste of a nation stepping confidently into the future, with its roots firmly planted in the past.
Adam Boukaidia, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, shared of the partnerships: "Bringing together Saudi Coffee Company and Milaf Global Food Company with Riyadh Air unites three brands driven by a passion for excellence and a desire to share the best of Saudi Arabia with the world. These partnerships enrich our guest experience with genuine cultural touches and create lasting value ... by weaving premium Saudi coffee and date-based products into every stage of the Riyadh Air journey, we are proud to offer guest a warm welcome that is uniquely Saudi."
Milaf Cola, the Kingdom's homegrown answer to global fizzy giants, is more than a beverage — it’s a cultural flex. Made from date extract rather than refined sugar, the refreshing fizzy frink carries a natural sweetness that’s earthy, rich, and unmistakably regional. When it comes to flavour, think cola with a twist: a mellow caramel base, hints of dried fruit, and a finish that’s smoother than anything off a mass-market shelf. Homegrown, Milaf Cola was first unveiled at the Riyadh Date Festival, a fitting launchpad for a drink that’s as much about cultural pride as it is about refreshment.
Paired with a selection of locally sourced dates that have ripened under the Arabian sun and coffee brewed in the centuries-old style that once fuelled desert caravans, Riyadh Air’s onboard offering is a sensory journey through Saudi soul.
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Khalid AbuTheeb, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Coffee Company, said: "Our collaboration with Riyadh Air marks a strategic step towards enhancing the travel experience by offering premium Saudi coffee in distinguished travel environments."
Luxury travel is often linked with images of imported fine beverages and foie gras. Riyadh Air is flipping that narrative. This is luxury that doesn’t need to borrow or repeat prestige, it creates its own. The airline’s commitment to showcasing Saudi products isn’t just patriotic; it’s visionary. It’s about crafting an experience that feels authentic, elevated, and unmistakably local.
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Since its inception, Riyadh Air has been redefining the luxury aviation experience with a distinctly Saudi imprint, one that transcends mere hospitality and ventures into cultural expression. This is not a gesture toward novelty; it is a deliberate articulation of national identity. As the Kingdom’s flagship carrier prepares to enter the global stage, it does so with a menu that speaks to heritage, refinement, and a future shaped by Saudi provenance.
Riyadh Air is positioning itself as the future of aviation, with sleek aircraft, cutting-edge tech, couture uniforms, and a brand identity that’s as modern as it is meaningful. The onboard service is just one layer of a broader ambition, to make Saudi Arabia not just a destination, but a global hub of style, sophistication, substance, and most importantly a travel hub.
