Riyadh Air to launch first commercial flight in 2025: CEO

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air, the new Saudi national carrier, is set to launch its first commercial flight in 2025, state-run news agency SPA reported, citing CEO Tony Douglas.

The year 2023 was exceptional, as Riyadh Air made several achievements, which are considered a starting point for fulfilling its aspirations, he added.

The national carrier also expects to make further successes in 2024, as part of its journey towards launching its commercial flight in 2025 and assuming a leading position in the aviation sector.

In March 2023, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the establishment of Riyadh Air, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), according to data available with Argaam.

The airline aims to launch flights to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.

Riyadh Air recently ordered up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft in a multi-billion-dollar deal.

Riyadh Air orders first fleet of 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners