RIYADH: Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier and a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has launched its inaugural service from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to London Heathrow Airport.
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft arrived in London at 7:30 a.m. local time, marking a major milestone for the airline and a new phase in the Kingdom’s aviation and connectivity ambitions, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.
The flight also marks the operational debut of Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet. The carrier received its first aircraft in Riyadh on June 5, followed by a third aircraft on June 7.
Further deliveries are expected in the coming months as the airline expands its network and works toward its goal of connecting Saudi Arabia to 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
The launch represents a significant step in Riyadh Air’s development. Since last October, the airline has operated daily flights to London using its reserve aircraft, “Jamila,” under the “Pathway to Perfect” programme.
The initiative was designed to test operational readiness, refine passenger services, and evaluate key customer touchpoints ahead of the introduction of commercial operations with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet.
