Riyadh Air

The latest airline route news, featuring network changes, schedule alterations, codeshares and interline agreements.

Riyadh Air secures U.S. DOT approval for flights to America and expands its network with new routes to Europe and the Middle East.

The memorandum of understanding is intended to leverage the geographical advantages of the airlines’ respective hubs in Delhi, Mumbai and Riyadh.

Riyadh Air will introduce a new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its London-Riyadh route as public ticket sales officially opened on May 19, after delivery delays.

Riyadh Air formally applied for U.S. operating authority as it continues preparations for international services while awaiting delivery of its first aircraft.

New Saudi flag-carrier Riyadh Air is continuing to refine its product before releasing tickets to the general public.

Safran Seats has unveiled the Unity Elite business-class seat it is manufacturing for the Boeing 787-9s Riyadh Air.

Riyadh Air has secured slots for 15 destinations from Riyadh during the northern summer 2026 season, offering the clearest indication yet of the Saudi startup’s potential launch network as it works toward full commercial operations.

AviLease grew its revenue 19%, expanded its fleet to 202 aircraft, secured investment-grade ratings and supported Riyadh Air’s launch with key leasing deals.

Riyadh Air has named Cairo as its third passenger destination.

Riyadh Air has formally launched Riyadh Cargo, which will utilize the belly hold capacity of a fleet intended to grow to around 120 aircraft in coming years.

A new Saudi carrier approaches its debut.

Riyadh Air signed its first aircraft lease agreement with global aircraft lessor AviLease on Oct. 27 for a Boeing 787-9.

New Saudi flag-carrier Riyadh Air will start flights Oct. 26—but initially only for company members and their families.

The 2025 edition of the Paris Air Show in late June only saw modest orders placed, with Saudi Arabian firms to the fore.

Saudi Arabian start-up carrier Riyadh Air says that its first 787-9 has left Boeing’s assembly line in Charleston, South Carolina.

Saudia is maintaining its traffic growth forecast at 7-8% in 2025 after reviewing the impact on travel demand after the Iran-Israel missile attacks in mid-June.

The A350 family orderbook now stands at more than 1,390 from 60 customers worldwide.

The deal, signed this week at the Paris Air Show, will further grow Riyadh Air’s fleet.

Saudi startup Riyadh Air has placed a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000s at the Paris Air Show.

Majors and LCCs alike are recognizing the potential and demand for discerning premium products.

Air France-KLM and new Saudi Arabian carrier Riyadh Air have signed a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding.

Attracting people into the business to support growth remains a primary challenge for newly established carriers.

Riyadh Air CEO says the carrier plans to launch operations in the fourth quarter of 2025 and hopes to take delivery of two Boeing 787-9s by the end of the year.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.