Riyadh Air Targets Mid-2025 First Flight

Riyadh Air is inching closer to commencing scheduled passenger flights, and the airline is readying for certification flying.

As part of its roadmap to launch, which is slated for mid-2025, the airline must undertake crucial certification test flights. This is one of the many pillars that must be approved before the airline can welcome passengers aboard its aircraft.

In an interview with Arab News, the CEO Tony Douglas, who previously worked with neighbouring Etihad Airways, revealed that plans are underway to get the airline airborne.

Douglas said, “We now have our first group of pilots who’ve joined us.” In addition to the first pilots, the company has 30 instructor pilots of the highest standards acquired through various international airlines.

Thanks to these acquisitions, Riyadh Air is targeting the launch of certification flying sometime in September, which is only a matter of months away. The hope is permitting no hiccups, and the airline will then be able to launch scheduled flights on time in 2025.

Riyadh Air promises an elevated travel experience for a new full-service airline. Douglas firmly believes this is required in the Kingdom, and with demand expected to grow, it aligns with all key travel objectives.

Utilising a fleet of Boeing 787s and soon-to-be narrowbodies, the airline will fly extensively around the world, with all markets open for exploration.

Understanding Riyadh Air

Despite being near airlines such as Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, the carrier will not compete with them. As the Financial Times stated, the airline wants to forge its market rather than compete with neighbours in the Gulf.

Douglas described Riyadh Air in 2023 as an airline with great potential but also one that could be in a niche market. Douglas further rejected claims that the airline wouldn’t be financially viable as it aggressively expands with hundreds of new aircraft. The airline hopes to offer one of the best onboard products and will emphasise the guest experience.

For Douglas, one key focus with Riyadh Air is to ensure people don’t just use the airline to transit through Saudi Arabia. Instead, the hope is to make this a destination people worldwide want to visit, adopting something similar to what has been seen in Dubai with Emirates.

The Kingdom knows that to continue being successful, it needs to invest heavily in tourism and attracting people to the region, and Riyadh Air will play a role in that.