RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has officially launched Riyadh Air, its new national carrier, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and strengthen its position as a global aviation hub.
The airline’s inaugural commercial flight departed Riyadh for London aboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, signalling the start of operations for Saudi Arabia’s second state-owned airline after Saudia.
Riyadh Air is a flagship project backed by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and is expected to play a central role in transforming Riyadh into a major international gateway connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.
Speaking on the occasion, Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas described the launch as the culmination of years of preparation and planning aimed at creating a world-class airline offering premium services and global connectivity.
The carrier has ambitious expansion plans and aims to connect more than 100 international destinations within the next five years. To support its growth strategy, Riyadh Air has already ordered 132 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with options for additional purchases in the future.
PIF Governor and Riyadh Air Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan termed the launch a historic moment for the Kingdom, saying the airline is expected to generate around 200,000 direct and indirect jobs while contributing significantly to economic growth.
The launch complements Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation expansion programme, including the development of a major new airport in Riyadh with a planned capacity of 120 million passengers annually by 2030.
Saudi Arabia aims to increase annual air traffic to 330 million passengers by the end of the decade as it prepares to host major global events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
Officials say Riyadh Air will enhance tourism, attract investment, create employment opportunities and further strengthen Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a leading global destination for business, travel and innovation.
