Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air is not just another airline; it's a bold declaration of Saudi Arabia's ambition to transform its economy and become a global aviation powerhouse. As the kingdom's second flag carrier, it aims to connect Riyadh to over 100 destinations worldwide, establishing a new hub for international travel. This ambitious project, backed by significant national investment, promises to redefine the landscape of global air travel and economic development in the region. Riyadh Air is a new, state-backed Saudi Arabian airline aiming for a massive global presence, targeting over 100 destinations across six continents. The airline represents a significant economic diversification strategy for Saudi Arabia, projected to add billions to non-oil GDP and create hundreds of thousands of jobs. With a cutting-edge fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft and strategic international partnerships, Riyadh Air is set to launch commercial operations in 2025.
AI Summary
Riyadh Air is not just another airline; it's a bold declaration of Saudi Arabia's ambition to transform its economy and become a global aviation powerhouse. As the kingdom's second flag carrier, it aims to connect Riyadh to over 100 destinations worldwide, establishing a new hub for international travel. This ambitious project, backed by significant national investment, promises to redefine the landscape of global air travel and economic development in the region.
- Riyadh Air is a new, state-backed Saudi Arabian airline aiming for a massive global presence, targeting over 100 destinations across six continents.
- The airline represents a significant economic diversification strategy for Saudi Arabia, projected to add billions to non-oil GDP and create hundreds of thousands of jobs.
- With a cutting-edge fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft and strategic international partnerships, Riyadh Air is set to launch commercial operations in 2025.
A New Powerhouse Takes Flight
Imagine a brand-new airline, backed by immense national wealth, with plans to crisscross the globe. That's Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's ambitious second flag carrier, setting its sights on establishing a major aviation hub right in the heart of Riyadh.
From its base at King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh Air intends to operate scheduled flights to more than 100 destinations across six continents. This isn't just about connecting cities; it's about redefining Riyadh's role as a gateway to the world.
The airline's planned fleet is equally impressive, built around modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. We're talking about a significant number of Airbus A321neos, Airbus A350-1000s, and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners — a truly state-of-the-art collection designed for global reach.
While its first commercial flights are slated for 2025, Riyadh Air has already begun forging crucial partnerships. They've inked cooperation agreements with major players from both the SkyTeam and Star Alliance networks, laying the groundwork for seamless global connectivity.
This entire venture is wholly owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), a testament to its national strategic importance. The PIF's governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, serves as Riyadh Air's chairman, signaling top-tier backing.
Guiding this ambitious project is CEO Tony Douglas, an experienced airline veteran who previously led Etihad Airways. His appointment underscores the airline's serious intent to become a world-class competitor from day one.
Economic Vision Beyond Oil
Riyadh Air is far more than an airline; it's a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a grand plan to diversify its economy away from oil. This new carrier is expected to inject a staggering 20 billion US dollars into the country's non-oil GDP.
The airline's impact on employment is projected to be equally transformative, creating more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. This includes roles from pilots and cabin crew to ground staff, engineers, and countless positions across the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Building a Global Brand: Milestones and Partnerships
The journey began on March 12, 2023, when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formally announced the establishment of Riyadh Air. Just two days later, the airline placed an initial order for 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with options for 33 more — a clear statement of intent.
In June 2023, Riyadh Air unveiled its striking first livery, showcased on a Boeing 787-9. Although this particular aircraft was a Boeing test model and not part of the eventual fleet, it gave the world a captivating glimpse of the airline's visual identity.
The same day, the airline received its official IATA designator code, 'RX,' a critical step toward integrating into global air traffic systems. Soon after, they secured their Passenger Air Transport Economic License from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), clearing the path for commercial operations.
Commitment to its Boeing fleet was solidified at the 2023 Paris Air Show, where Riyadh Air signed a major agreement for 90 GE Aerospace GEnx-1B engines. These powerful engines are purpose-built to power the airline's future fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Further solidifying its global strategy, Riyadh Air signed a memorandum of understanding with Delta Air Lines in July 2024. This agreement paves the way for future codesharing, aligning customer service standards, and harmonizing frequent-flyer programs.
The fleet expanded significantly in October 2024 with a confirmed order for 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft. These narrow-body jets will be crucial for regional routes and increasing flight frequency across its network.
By January 2025, Riyadh Air received its first Boeing 787-9, albeit a leased one designated for technical spare parts and crew training. This critical step ensures that the airline's teams are fully prepared for operational readiness.
After receiving final approval from GACA to commence flight operations in April 2025, Riyadh Air completed its major fleet orders at the June 2025 Paris Air Show. This included 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with purchase rights for another 25, solidifying its wide-body capacity.
Building a Global Brand Presence
Beyond aircraft and routes, Riyadh Air has strategically built its brand through high-profile sponsorships. In 2023, they became the shirt sponsor for Spanish football giants Atlético Madrid, instantly boosting global recognition.
The following year, Riyadh Air expanded its football presence by sponsoring CONCACAF, becoming the official airline of the North American football confederation. They further cemented their ties with Atlético Madrid by purchasing the naming rights to their home, Metropolitano Stadium.
Weaving a Global Network
While Riyadh Air has yet to release its full list of destinations, its strategy of global integration is clear through its numerous codeshare agreements. These partnerships are essential for expanding reach and offering seamless travel to passengers.
Through these crucial alliances, Riyadh Air aims to connect travelers far and wide, from Asia to Europe and the Americas, even before its own extensive network is fully operational.
Air China Air France–KLM China Eastern Airlines Delta Air Lines Egyptair Saudia Singapore Airlines Turkish Airlines Virgin Atlantic
A State-of-the-Art Fleet Takes Shape
Riyadh Air's fleet plan is a meticulously crafted balance of short-to-medium haul efficiency and long-haul capability, featuring some of the most advanced aircraft in the sky. This dedication to modern planes underscores its commitment to passenger comfort and operational excellence.
Aircraft In Service Orders Notes Airbus A321neo — 60 Airbus A350-1000 — 50 Includes purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft Boeing 787-9 1 72 39 confirmed orders, 33 options; 1 aircraft leased for training Total 1 182
The distinctive livery of Riyadh Air has even been seen on various testbed aircraft, hinting at the future visual identity that will soon grace airports worldwide. This early exposure helps build anticipation for the new global player.
Article
Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air is the second flag carrier of Saudi Arabia after Saudia, based in Riyadh. The airline's main hub is at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and is aimed at the world market, operating domestic and internationally scheduled flights to over 100 destinations in six continents. The fleet will consist of 3 aircraft types, 2 Airbus aircraft types and 1 Boeing aircraft type consisting of 60 Airbus A321neo, 25 Airbus A350-1000 and 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft respectively.
The airline operated its first commercial flight on 26 October 2025. It has cooperation agreements with SkyTeam members Delta Air Lines, China Eastern Airlines, Saudia, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic, and Star Alliance members Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air China and Egyptair.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Riyadh Air will be owned by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of PIF, as its chairman. Tony Douglas was appointed as its CEO. He was the CEO of UAE airline Etihad Airways from January 2018 until October 2022. Riyadh Air is expected to add US$20 billion to non-oil GDP growth, and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
History
Riyadh Air
On 12 March 2023, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, formally announced the establishment of Riyadh Air, the country's newest national airline in Saudi Arabia. Two days later, it was announced that the airline had ordered 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft with options for 33 more aircraft.
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner painted in the Riyadh Air livery at the Dubai Airshow 2023
Riyadh Air unveiled its first livery on 4 June 2023. The livery was painted on a Boeing 787-9, although this aircraft was owned by Boeing and will not enter the Riyadh Air fleet. On the same day, it received its airline designator code "RX" from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) at the World Air Transport Summit, which took place in Istanbul. On 12 June 2023, Boeing delivered the first aircraft to the airline's fleet. On 14 June 2023, the airline was granted its Passenger Air Transport Economic License by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), which is required for the airline to begin commercial operations. On 21 June 2023, at the Paris Air Show, Riyadh Air signed an agreement for 90 GE Aerospace's GEnx-1B engines to power its future fleet of 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
On 9 July 2024, Riyadh Air signed a memorandum of understanding with Delta Air Lines, a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance. Under the terms of the memorandum, the two airlines would establish a basis for future flight codesharing and alignment of the customer service and frequent-flier program experiences.
On 30 October 2024, Riyadh Air confirmed an order of 60 Airbus A321neo.
On 15 January 2025, Riyadh Air received its first Boeing 787-9 aircraft, however it is leased, and it will be used only as a technical spare and training aircraft.
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner painted in the airline’s second white livery at the Paris Air Show 2025
On 6 April 2025, Riyadh Air received approval from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to commence its flight operations.
On 16 June 2025, Riyadh Air announced the order of 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the Paris Air Show. The deal also includes purchase rights for an additional 25 of the type.
On 9 October 2024, Riyadh Air announced a partnership with FLYR. FLYR will deliver its Offer and Order retailing platform to power Riyadh Air's commercial operations, making it the world's first native ONE Order network carrier.
On 7 August 2025, Riyadh Air announced a partnership with Amadeus. Amadeus will distribute Riyadh Air’s future NDC (New Distribution Capability) content, allowing for personalized offers and dynamic pricing across third-party platforms.
On January 21, 2026, Riyadh Air announced the establishment of Riyadh Cargo.
Sponsorships
Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air has primarily sponsored association football teams. 2023 saw Riyadh Air become the shirt sponsor of Atlético Madrid. The following year, Riyadh Air sponsored CONCACAF, the association football confederation of North America, becoming the official airline of the conference. Later that year, Riyadh Air purchased the naming rights to Metropolitano Stadium, the home field for Atlético Madrid.
Destinations
Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air aims to operate to 100 destinations by 2030. However, as of 8 October 2025, the airline has announced their first two routes will be to London Heathrow and Dubai International. The airline will not have these services bookable to the general public but will be open to select customers. The airline will operate a Boeing 787-9 leased from Oman Air with the name 'Jamila' for these services.
<table><thead><tr><th>Country</th><th>City</th><th>Airport</th><th>Notes</th><th>Ref</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Egypt</td><td>Cairo</td><td>Cairo International Airport</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Saudi Arabia</td><td>Riyadh</td><td>King Khalid International Airport</td><td>Hub</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United Kingdom</td><td>London</td><td>Heathrow Airport</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United Arab Emirates</td><td>Dubai</td><td>Dubai International Airport</td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
Riyadh Air has also unveiled codeshare agreements with the following airlines:
• Air China • Air France–KLM • China Eastern Airlines • Delta Air Lines • EgyptAir • Saudia • Singapore Airlines • Turkish Airlines • Virgin Atlantic
Fleet
Riyadh Air
As of November 2025, Riyadh Air operates the following aircraft:
<table><thead><tr><th>Aircraft</th><th>In Service</th><th>Orders</th><th>Passengers</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Total</td></tr><tr><td>Airbus A321neo</td><td>—</td><td>60</td><td>TBA</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Airbus A350-1000</td><td>—</td><td>25</td><td>TBA</td><td>Order with 25 options.</td></tr><tr><td>Boeing 787-9</td><td>—</td><td>39</td><td>TBA</td><td>Order with 33 options.</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>—</td><td>288</td><td>Leased from Oman Air to be used only as a technical spare and training aircraft.</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>1</td><td>124</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
An Airbus A321XLR testbed painted in the Riyadh Air livery