Riyadh Air Nears AOC, Eyes 2025 Flight Debut
Riyadh Air is making steady progress toward launching its commercial operations as it nears the receipt of its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). According to the airline, the certificate is expected “in the coming weeks,” a crucial step that will pave the way for the start-up carrier to officially begin service in the third quarter of 2025.
In recent comments to Al Arabiya, Riyadh Air’s chief executive, Tony Douglas, underscored the carrier’s commitment to entering the competitive aviation market. “So there you have it. Riyadh Air is very real,” he asserted, emphasizing that the airline had already met all flying and technical requirements needed for certification—even though the AOC has yet to be formally issued.
A statement from the airline’s spokesperson, as reported by ch-aviation, confirmed that Riyadh Air has worked tirelessly in recent months to fulfill the necessary conditions set by GACA. Despite completing all internal and regulatory requirements, the airline is still awaiting the final document. This delay, while not uncommon in the rigorous certification process, has led to speculation about the exact timing of the launch. Neither Riyadh Air nor the regulator responded to further requests for comment.
The state-owned airline, controlled by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund, is a sister carrier to Saudia. Its establishment is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its aviation market and increase competition in the region. Initially, the launch was scheduled for the first quarter of this year, but plans were subsequently pushed back to the third quarter of 2025 to ensure all regulatory and operational milestones are securely met.
Riyadh Air is poised to become a significant player in the Middle Eastern aviation market with an ambitious fleet expansion plan. The start-up airline has a staggering 99 aircraft on order, which includes 60 Airbus A321-200Ns and 38 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. According to ch-aviation’s fleet module, the carrier currently has only one B787-9, which was used for certification flights. Notably, this aircraft has not flown since February 3 and is presently parked at Riyadh. Originally, Riyadh Air had anticipated receiving eight B787-9 jets in 2025, but recent reports indicate that the number may be revised down to around four.
This strategic fleet build-up is a critical component of the airline’s vision to establish itself as a formidable competitor in both the domestic and international markets. The mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft will provide the flexibility required to service a diverse range of routes and meet varying market demands.
Industry observers are closely watching Riyadh Air’s progress as it navigates the final stages of certification. The successful issuance of the AOC will not only mark a significant regulatory milestone but also signal the start of commercial flights that could reshape travel options within the region.
As Riyadh Air works towards its much-anticipated launch, the airline’s progress is being seen as a positive indicator of Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions in the aviation sector. With strong backing from the Public Investment Fund and a clear focus on building a modern, competitive fleet, Riyadh Air is gearing up to contribute significantly to the future growth of the Kingdom’s air travel market.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com