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.

Riyadh Air has been granted an AOC by Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation, authorizing the start of commercial flight operations.

AirAsia is set to receive $100 million from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund as the Malaysian LCC seeks to raise as much as MYR1 billion ($226 million).

Panasonic Technical Services is opening a new line maintenance station in Riyadh to support airlines’ inflight entertainment needs.

Saudi Arabian flag-carrier Saudia has concluded 2024 with significant growth in its international operations.

The much-awaited launch of Riyadh Air will be postponed because of aircraft delivery delays.

Despite international contentions, production delays and unmet sustainability targets, the industry is set for growth.

Airline execs at Routes World in Bahrain agreed lack of available capacity because of aircraft and engine supply issues remains a major challenge.