Riyadh Air Begins Test Flights

Riyadh Air is inching closer to formally commencing nonstop commercial flights as one of the Middle East’s newest airlines.

The airline announced that it successfully was granted permission to commence noncommercial flights from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capital city of Riyadh.

These noncommercial flights officially commenced on Thursday, 12 September, as flight RXI5001, which operated from Riyadh to Jeddah.

Riyadh Air says the flights are essential in obtaining the required AOC (Air Operators Certificate) issued by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

Over the coming months, Riyadh Air will operate many rotations to prove that it is ready to begin commercial flying in 2025.

As part of these test flights, the airline will focus on domestic and international destinations and will be leasing a SAUDIA Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to help fulfil this requirement.

Once it launches, Riyadh Air will be an all-Boeing operator and is slated to rely heavily on the 787 Dreamliner specifically to aid its long-haul flying ambitions.

Who Are Riyadh Air?

Riyadh Air was unveiled some time ago as part of the Kingdom’s overall plans to boost the economy, with a strong focus on aviation enabling that.

As part of the efforts to make Saudi Arabia a desirable location, greater emphasis has been placed on building up the aviation sector, and Riyadh Air aims to be fundamental in allowing this.

Former Etihad Airways executive Tony Douglas backs the airline, and other high-profile executives make up the team, which aims to create a thriving global airline.

Despite focusing on a premium service with initially widebodies, Riyadh Air hasn’t focused on competing with neighbouring and far more established airlines such as Etihad, Qatar, and Emirates.

Instead, Riyadh Air was described in 2023 as an airline with great potential across niche markets. Executives have already rejected claims that it wouldn’t be financially viable as it plots aggressive expansion.

Once launched, Riyadh Air wants to have one of the best onboard products, covering the cabin interior and the overall guest experience.