Riyadh Air Confirms London Launch

Riyadh Air has confirmed the launch of passenger flights after years of continued build-up.

The new Saudi Arabian-based carrier says its inaugural London flights will commence on October 26, marking a new phase of its launch program. These flights will operate daily, with London Heathrow as the designated airport.

Riyadh Air also states that the launch will take place aboard its designated Boeing 787-9 technical spare, which has been named “Jamila.”

The sequenced flights are initially on sale to select groups and Riyadh Air employees. While this is a launch, it’s not considered the full launch, but rather the first step in a series of preparations as preparations gear up.

Riyadh Air describes the new launch as an opportunity to enter a critical phase, where it can ensure unparalleled operational readiness in preparation for the eventual delivery of the first aircraft from Boeing.

In the meantime, the airline is still able to use its recently awarded slot, which is highly regarded at London Heathrow, while it awaits the new aircraft.

Flight RX401 will depart Riyadh at 0315, with this early morning departure allowing for a 0730 arrival into London Heathrow. The returning flight operating as RX402 will arrive back in Riyadh at 1915; these times are all local.

This isn’t just a launch; it’s a tangible realization of a vision to connect Saudi Arabia to the world, a core pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. Our commitment to begin operations in 2025 is being fulfilled. This rigorous flight program on Jamila allows us to fine-tune every detail, ensuring a seamless, reliable, and world-class experience. 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.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air

London Heathrow, however, will be the first pillar on its pathway to perfection, as described. Soon after, flights to Dubai will be added, as the airline looks to commit to operational excellence and a high standard of operation.

Through the initial flights, which Jamila will operate as part of an assessment program, the airline will find ways to strengthen its operations day by day, ensuring a smooth, reliable, and world-class premium experience once the flights are scaled.

Riyadh Air states that new routes will also be announced in the coming weeks, with an eye on Winter 2025 and Summer 2026, as new Boeing aircraft are delivered.

Riyadh Air’s Delayed Launch

Based on the initial forecasting laid out by Riyadh Air, a launch would have already occurred; however, the birth of this new international carrier has been far from smooth.

The airline confirmed in April that its launch would be delayed until the end of the year, despite having already secured its neccesary Air Operator Certification (AOC).

Previously, the airline had targeted a first flight to occur in the mid-point of this year; however, that was pushed back to Q3 2025. The latest delay is for commencement in Q4 2025, assuming there are no further delays.

The launch delays have been entirely out of Riyadh Air’s control, while most new companies may struggle to launch due to challenges in certifications, crew training, or other factors. For the Saudi Arabian carrier, this has been due to Boeing.

The American planemaker will not be the only one to provide aircraft to Riyadh Air, with orders in place for Airbus jets too. Still, it will play an integral role in the airline’s launch through 787 deliveries, part of an extensive order for 72 units placed in early 2023.

Unfortunately, however, new deliveries have not materialised as intended, with persistent delays in the arrival of these Boeing 787s, meaning that Riyadh Air has not been comfortable enough to launch its scheduled passenger operations.

The contrast is that while some existing airlines may struggle to retire aging fleet types or move ahead with new route launches due to delayed deliveries, in the case of Riyadh Air, they have not been able to launch as an airline because of Boeing’s supply chain issues.

However, as Boeing continues to rebuild, restore trust in the Federal Aviation Administration, and, importantly, rebuild its supply chains, more airlines are seeing their confidence increase. Now, Riyadh Air is gearing up for that all-important launch.