Saudi Arabia's latest airline venture, Riyadh Air, is poised to commence commercial operations by the conclusion of the first half of 2025, as unveiled by the airline's Chief Operating Officer, Peter Bellew, during the Singapore Airshow on Tuesday.
Riyadh Air, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, had previously disclosed in November its finalization of a deal for narrow-body aircraft. Although no specific timeline has been provided thus far, the airline is anticipated to announce the details of the order imminently.
Positioned as the second flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Air will be headquartered in the capital city of Riyadh. The airline's primary operational base will be situated at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, facilitating both domestic and international flights to an extensive network spanning over 100 destinations across the Middle East and six continents globally.
The genesis of Riyadh Air traces back to March 2023, when Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman formally declared its establishment as the kingdom's newest national airline. The order of 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, along with options for an additional 33 aircraft, underscores the strategic vision behind Riyadh Air's founding. This ambitious fleet acquisition signals Riyadh Air's intent to carve out a significant presence in the aviation landscape, positioning itself as a formidable player in both domestic and international markets.
The establishment of Riyadh Air signifies a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia's aviation sector, embodying the nation's aspirations for enhanced connectivity and economic growth. With its robust fleet expansion plans and comprehensive route network, Riyadh Air is poised to play a pivotal role in bolstering the kingdom's global connectivity and positioning itself as a key player in the international aviation arena.
