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Riyadh Air launches inaugural London route with limited ticket availability
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Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air CEO | www.argaam.com

Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air will launch its first international flight to London later this month. The inaugural service between Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) is scheduled for October 26, using a Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Initially, the daily flights will be available only to select groups and Riyadh Air employees.

"This rigorous flight program ... allows us to fine-tune every detail, ensuring a seamless, reliable, and world-class experience," said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. "This carefully sequenced approach is our pathway to perfect, and we are now incredibly close to full operations with further destinations to be announced in the coming weeks as our new aircraft are delivered." Douglas also stated that the October launch fulfills Riyadh Air's commitment to begin flights in 2025.

Riyadh Air aims to expand Saudi Arabia’s presence in global aviation and compete with established Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways. The airline is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to grow its tourism sector and establish a major connecting hub at RUH. At an industry event in 2024, Douglas discussed plans for significant investment in both product offerings and branding initiatives.

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The airline has revealed details about its cabin configurations: each Boeing 787-9 will have 28 lie-flat business-class suites—including four larger "Business Elite" suites—39 premium economy seats, and 223 economy seats. This results in a total of 290 seats per aircraft, which is less dense than some competitors but more than others.

Riyadh Air is also introducing a loyalty program called Sfeer. While information remains limited, the program will allow members to share points and benefits within their community or with designated friends and family. Early adopters will be recognized as "The Founders" with priority access for future bookings.

The company has ambitious growth plans, aiming for around 100 global destinations by the end of the decade. Currently operating one Boeing 787-9, Riyadh Air has placed orders for up to 72 additional Dreamliners from Boeing, along with up to 50 Airbus A350-1000s and 60 Airbus A321neos. The wide-body jets will serve long-haul routes while the A321neos are expected to operate shorter regional services.

Future route expansion depends on the delivery schedule of these new aircraft. According to statements made by Douglas in The National newspaper, another new Boeing 787 is expected soon after the first delivery, while Reuters reports that the first Airbus A321neo should arrive in the second half of 2026.

Riyadh Air has also formed partnerships with other airlines including Air France-KLM Group in Europe and Delta Air Lines in the United States.

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