Quantcast

Riyadh Air set for launch: Plans global expansion with new fleet

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Global Industry News
Riyadh Air set for launch: Plans global expansion with new fleet
Policy
Webp riyad
Riyadh Air | Riyadh Air

Saudi Arabia is on the verge of having two flag carriers as Riyadh Air prepares to join Saudia, the existing national airline. Riyadh Air is expected to launch its first flights later in 2025, prompting Saudia to return to its original Saudi Arabia-themed livery to reaffirm its status as the Kingdom's original flag carrier.

Riyadh Air, a full-service carrier founded in 2023, will operate from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The airline plans to serve over 100 destinations across six continents by 2030. It has entered into cooperation agreements with SkyTeam members such as Delta and China Eastern, as well as Star Alliance members like Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

The new airline aims to leverage the Gulf's central geographic location, acting as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Tony Douglas, former CEO of Etihad Airways, leads Riyadh Air. The airline will initially focus on long-haul flights with a fleet that includes Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 787s.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
Subscribe
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Riyadh Air is set to begin operations with flights from Riyadh to European cities before expanding its network. Initial routes will include Singapore and various European destinations. The company plans gradual expansion as more aircraft are delivered.

Douglas noted that "in the early days," they may not have the capacity for extensive routes but intend eventually to reach Australia and New Zealand. The airline expects monthly aircraft deliveries will allow it to add two new destinations each month.

Riyadh Air's fleet will consist of 182 aircraft, including Airbus A321neos and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. With significant investment from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air aims for rapid growth.

Saudi Arabia is also planning major expansions at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which will become one of the world's largest airports upon completion.

Organizations Included in this History
Simple Flying
More News

FedEx survey finds APAC firms shifting focus toward intra-Asia and European markets

FedEx has released the results of a recent survey focused on how Asia-Pacific (APAC) companies are responding to changes in global trade and customs regulations.

Oct 26, 2025

Delta Air Lines launches first nonstop flight from Atlanta to Marrakech

Delta Air Lines has inaugurated its first nonstop service from the United States to Marrakech, Morocco, marking the airline's return to North Africa after more than 14 years.

Oct 26, 2025

Alaska Airlines adds two cities and expands West Coast network with new routes

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta partners with chef José Andrés for new in-flight meals beginning November

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

TPG reviews award pricing after launch of Blue Sky partnership between JetBlue and United

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada announces major US route expansion from Toronto’s Billy Bishop airport

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

Aviation Comments
Loading...

No comments available.

Trending
1

Flying Food Group's SFO Facility hosts successful Breast Cancer Awareness Day with community support

2

Flying Food Group awards scholarships to five applicants in 2025

3

Flying Food Group HR manager on wage increases: 'Unite Here has still not responded to Flying Food Group'

4

Flying Food Group directs all taxable income to Chicago-based Sue L. Gin Foundation Trust

5

Fair Work Commission awards $36,468 to former dnata worker over unfair dismissal