Newcastle United's Saudi backers PIF have announced a new company in Riyadh Air with suggestions already in the Middle East there could be a link up with the Magpies.
Riyadh Air will have an "operational hub" in the city, and will connect the Saudi capital to over 100 destinations globally. United supremo Yasir Al-Rumayyan will be at the centre of the new operations as chairman.
A PIF statement read: "Riyadh Air will be chaired by His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF, while Tony Douglas, who brings more than 40 years of experience in the aviation, transportation and logistics industries, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. "The airline’s senior management will include Saudi and international expertise.
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"Operating from Riyadh as its hub, the airline will usher in a new era for the travel and aviation industry globally. Riyadh Air will be a world-class airline, adopting the global best sustainability and safety standards across its advanced fleet of aircraft equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology.
"The airline is expected to add USD20 billion to non-oil GDP growth and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs."
Media in Riyadh are already suggesting that a multi-million sponsorship deal with the Magpies could lie ahead. United's current major sponsor Fun88 will end their association with the club this summer.
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