Riyadh Air’s plans to commence operations in the middle of this year have been delayed due to ongoing aircraft delivery issues affecting airlines globally.
The new Saudi Arabian flag carrier had previously announced its intention to begin commercial flights in mid-2025 with three Boeing 787-9s. However, it has recently leased a 787 from Oman Air to serve as a “technical spare” alongside two brand-new Dreamliners at its launch.
The airline has now adjusted its timeline and aims to begin operations by the end of this year. A spokesperson for Riyadh Air stated, “We remain in close contact with our colleagues at Boeing to receive delivery of several aircraft later this year. Given the well-known global supply chain challenges, we expect deliveries to start in Q3, allowing us to begin operations soon afterward.”
Details of the full Riyadh Air experience, including new business class suites and premium economy recliners, are set to be unveiled in the coming months. The grand launch will feature an introduction to the inflight entertainment system and the Riyadh Air app, showcasing the overall passenger experience of the new airline.
Regarding routes and destinations, CEO Tony Douglas mentioned, “We’ll launch with three airplanes,” with initial flights from Riyadh to select European capitals and return services, followed by regional flights to cities like Jeddah. The airline plans to introduce approximately two new destinations monthly, spurred by a consistent arrival of new aircraft.
Currently, Douglas has ordered 39 Boeing 787-9s with an option for 33 additional units, expecting steady deliveries through late 2025 and beyond. These will complement an order of 60 single-aisle Airbus A321neo jets, likely including long-range models equipped with lie-flat business class seats, set to arrive from 2026 to 2030 for short- to medium-range routes.
Additionally, a new order for long-range Airbus A350-1000 or Boeing 777X jets is expected to be placed before the airline’s mid-2025 launch as a confident step toward expanding the fleet to over 200 aircraft serving more than 100 destinations.
In terms of business class aboard the 787, Douglas describes it as the “Mercedes Maybach” of the skies, emphasizing that the airline will not offer first class but aims to elevate business class to the highest standards.
Features of Riyadh Air’s 787 business class will include:
- Sliding privacy doors
- 22” 4K OLED HD video screens with Bluetooth audio streaming
- AC power with dual USB-A and dual USB-C outlets
- Fast, free WiFi
Douglas also positions the premium economy offering as a best-in-class alternative, designed to be more like business class than economy class, albeit without lie-flat seating. He states, “Our premium economy will be a step up to business-minus rather than economy-plus,” featuring nearly 16” screens and four USB-C power outlets.
In the economy class section, passengers will enjoy 13.3” screens with dual USB-C ports.
Regarding the sale of alcohol, which is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, Douglas explains, “We will operate within the current legal framework. Alcohol is currently banned in the Kingdom, and we will adhere to that legislation. If circumstances change over time, we will adjust accordingly.”
This statement comes amidst speculation that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may reconsider the ban on alcohol as part of broader efforts to establish Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for trade, finance, and tourism. Other Gulf states, like the UAE, have permitted non-Muslims to consume alcohol in hotels and licensed venues for several years.
