Riyadh Air has formally entered the air cargo market with the launch of Riyadh Cargo, activating belly-hold freight operations across its widebody fleet. The announcement, made on January 21, marks a key milestone in the Saudi Arabian start-up carrier’s phased commercial rollout and highlights cargo as a strategic pillar alongside passenger operations.
AFG has announced the appointment of Mr. Shiekuma Gemade as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), strengthening its leadership team with one of the industry’s most experienced executives.
Riyadh Air is preparing to welcome its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (registration HZ-RXX), marking a significant step towards the airline’s operational readiness. The leased aircraft, painted in the carrier’s striking pearl livery, will be officially unveiled at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newly established airline, will commence daily flights to London Heathrow Airport starting October 26, 2025, marking a major milestone in its international expansion strategy. The service will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering a modern and premium travel experience as part of its Winter 2025 (W25) schedule.
Riyadh Air, the new Saudi Arabian carrier backed by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has placed a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a critical step in building its long-haul, full-service fleet. The agreement includes the option to increase the order to 50 aircraft, showcasing the airline’s ambitious growth trajectory.
Riyadh Air, the new Saudi Arabian carrier backed by the Public Investment Fund, is expected to announce a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft during the upcoming Paris Airshow. The move marks a significant step in the airline’s high-profile fleet acquisition strategy ahead of its planned launch.
Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for strategic cooperation. The agreement aims to enhance travel options for passengers traveling between Saudi Arabia and Europe, as well as other global destinations served by the two carriers.
Airbus is intensifying its efforts to secure new aircraft orders as it looks ahead to the Paris Air Show scheduled for mid-June 2025. The European aerospace giant is focusing on winning commitments for its A350 widebody aircraft, targeting key Gulf carriers Riyadh Air from Saudi Arabia and Etihad from the United Arab Emirates.
Riyadh Air is positioning itself to take advantage of escalating trade tensions between the United States and China by expressing readiness to purchase Boeing aircraft originally intended for Chinese airlines. According to CEO Tony Douglas, the Saudi Arabian startup carrier is prepared to move quickly should these aircraft become available, a strategic decision aimed at accelerating Riyadh Air’s ambitious growth plans.
Riyadh Air, the ambitious new national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has achieved a key regulatory milestone with the issuance of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). This official approval authorizes the airline to commence commercial flight operations, marking the operational launch phase of one of the kingdom’s most high-profile aviation ventures.
