START up airline Riyadh Air has revealed the latest plans to have an ‘100-destination’ global network of flight routes around the world.
The new airline has taken the next step in launching flights after being granted an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) which allows them to have commercial operations.
Riyadh Airline has been granted it’s AOC for commercial flights[/caption]
The airline’s CEO Tony Douglas revealed the latest plan for the airline launch[/caption]
Planning to start flights by the end of this year – after being forced to delay the original start date of early 2025 – the airline’s CEO Tony Douglas said the airline launch was “very real”.
A test flight has already taken place from Riyadh to Istanbul last month, with official routes to be announced later this year.
The future plans include flights to more than 100 destinations by 2030, adding two new destinations a month.
This lines up with the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 which wants to attract 150million visitors a year.
And the UK is one of them, with flights likely to launch from London Heathrow to Riyadh.
Mr Douglas – who was previously CEO of Etihad Airways – said: “We’re not going public with the full list until we’ve got all the slots.
“But Western Europe is essential. We’re desperately keen to get access to Heathrow.”
First announced in 2023, the Mr Douglas added to Executive Traveller last year: “We’ll launch with three airplanes flying from Riyadh to let’s say ‘European capital A’ and back.
“Then the airplane will turn around and do a shorter leg on thick routes within the region – to Jeddah, for example.”
“It will then come back to Riyadh, turn around and then do ‘European city B’, and so on.”
An order for 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners has been confirmed, with options for another 33.
The airline has already revealed the plans for it’s onboard classes, including sliding doors in business class.
And the premium economy will be “more like business” although won’t have lie flat seats.
Economy flights will have 13.3″ screens and USB-C charging ports.
However, don’t expect booze onboard – it is unlikely to be served due to the strict alcohol laws in Saudi Arabia (it has been banned since 1952).
But the airline is wanting to become a “digital-first” airline and said they could even see boarding passes scrapped in favour of biometric tech.
Mr Douglas added: “What we’ve designed is something that’s got more in common with Uber and Amazon.”
Riyadh Air launch timeline
March 2023 – Riyadh Air is announced and CEO named
June 2023 – Plans for 29 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner confirmed
June 2023 – Passenger Air Transport License granted
July 2024 – Memorandum of Understanding signed with Delta
October 2024 – Order of 60 Airbus A321neo confirmed
January 2025 – First test flight conducted and airline awarded AOC
Late 2025 – Airline launches test flight, with official launch later this year
The airline will be based at King Salman International Airport which is set to become the world’s biggest.
Opening in 2030, the airport will have six runways and an 120million passenger capacity.
An official launch date is yet to be confirmed[/caption]
