Quantcast

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

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
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

US-Australia-New Zealand nonstop Dreamliner routes cover vast distances

All of the longest nonstop flights over 8,200 miles from the United States are to destinations in Australia and New Zealand.

Jun 28, 2025

P-51 Mustang: From WWII dominance to Korean War service

The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang played a significant role as a fighter aircraft for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II.

Jun 28, 2025

Airbus A330 known for smooth landings due to advanced engineering

The Airbus A330 has become one of the most popular aircraft in service since its introduction.

Jun 28, 2025

Frontier leads ultra-low-cost carriers in legroom comparison

When flying with ultra-low-cost carriers like Frontier, Allegiant, and Spirit Airlines, affordability is often the main focus for passengers.

Jun 28, 2025

Ohio woman sues United Airlines over alleged inflight sexual assault

United Airlines is facing a lawsuit from Aundrea White, an Ohio businesswoman, who claims she was sexually assaulted twice during a flight from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to San Diego International Airport in January 2024.

Jun 28, 2025

Boeing agrees to rehire nearly 60 employees after labor dispute

Boeing is set to rehire 58 employees who are members of the Society of Professional Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA).

Jun 28, 2025

Aviation Comments
Loading...

No comments available.

Trending
1

Chase introduces best-ever offer for Sapphire Reserve with refreshed features

2

Flying Food Group caters first Virgin Atlantic flight from Los Angeles

3

Flying Food Group honors fathers at LAI for their dedication

4

Flying Food Group launches new hiring campaign, invites applications

5

Flying Food Group announces openings for Cook 2 positions in Miami