Riyadh Air Secures License With Plans to Launch Operations in 2025
Saudi Arabia's new national carrier aims to connect over 100 cities by 2030.
Riyadh Air has obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). This certification confirms that Riyadh Air has met all regulatory, safety, and operational standards required to initiate commercial flights.
Owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air plans to launch its inaugural flights by the end of 2025, with the goal of connecting over 100 international destinations by 2030.
In preparation for its launch, Riyadh Air has placed substantial aircraft orders, including 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321neo planes, to support its expansive network plans. The airline aims to contribute approximately USD 20 billion to Saudi Arabia's non-oil GDP and create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The development of Riyadh Air is part of a broader effort to restructure the Kingdom's aviation sector, transitioning to a multi-operator model. This includes significant investments in airport infrastructure, notably the construction of King Salman International Airport in Riyadh. Designed by the British architectural firm Foster + Partners, the airport is projected to accommodate up to 120 million travelers by 2030 and 185 million by 2050, featuring six parallel runways and extensive facilities to enhance passenger experience.
