Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s national airline with grand global ambitions, is scheduled to begin limited commercial operations on October 26.
The airline’s first flights will connect Riyadh with London Heathrow daily. It will initially be sold only to airline employees and what the airline describes as a “select group.”
The launch will enable Riyadh Airways to meet its utilization requirements for the once-daily arrival and landing slots it has secured at capacity-limited Heathrow Airport while it awaits the first delivery of its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Meanwhile, the airline plans to use the leased Dreamliner, which has been in operation since January, for certification test flights and pilot and crew training. The leased plane has Riyadh Air livery but no new interior for delivery. Nonetheless, the airline describes the cabin design as “a high-spec interior that meets the expectations of customers flying with a modern, world-class airline.”
Riyadh Airways is part of Saudi Arabia’s $800 billion project to boost its tourism economy. The airline has a total firm order of 124 aircraft, including 39 787-9s, 25 Airbus A350-1000s and 60 Airbus A321neo narrowbodies. It aspires to become a global east-west airline, competing with Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates.
Riyadh Air will especially cater to its premium customers by offering four cabin interiors and luxurious lounges on the A350. The airline also said the aircraft will be equipped with industry-leading digital capabilities and connectivity, including the largest business-class in-flight entertainment screen.
Riyadh Airways said on Wednesday that its second route will connect its home city with Dubai and will begin operations soon after its London service.
“More exciting new routes will be announced in the coming weeks for winter 2025 and summer 2026,” the airline said.
