Riyadh Air is ready for lift-off in 2025: Saudi Arabia’s highly anticipated airline Riyadh Air is on track to kick off its operations this year, a representative of Riyadh Air told EnterpriseAM Saudi in an emailed statement. Despite global supply chain snags, “we remain confident that our launch will stay on schedule, with aircraft deliveries and operations progressing as planned,” the airline told EnterpriseAM.

What’s the holdup? Riyadh Air delayed its takeoff from earlier this year after facing delays in Boeing aircraft deliveries. Service is expected to begin once Boeing hands over the first two planes from the four Boeing 787 Dreamliners currently undergoing assembly.

The global aviation industry is feeling the impact of aircraft delivery delays. The airline is situated in the “same position as every airline in the world — looking for their planes to be delivered […] it’s just more critical for us, as these are the first planes we will be operating, and we do not have a backup fleet to utilize while we wait for the new ones to arrive” the company said.

BUT- Safety nets are ready: The airline told us it has built-in contingency measures to safeguard its timelines, should unforeseen delays appear. They are currently prepared to adjust phasing, prioritize key routes, and resort to alternative capacity to ensure continuity of operations.

ICYMI- The airline locked in an order for up to 50 Airbus aircraft during the 2025 Paris Airshow in June, boosting its order book to 182 aircraft. It also tapped Rolls-Royce for the engines related to the order.

Closer than you think? The carrier has already secured landing slots for its debut routes and will unveil its first destination and ticketing plans in the upcoming months. Meanwhile, media reports in July indicated Riyadh Air will launch flights on 26 October connecting Riyadh and London Heathrow Airport, after securing a daily slot.

REMEMBER- Riyadh Air eyes 100 skies by 2030. The airline voiced plans back in June to serve 100 cities by 2030, aiming to add a destination every two months once it’s operational.

Premium freight is on the cards: Riyadh Air told us they are designing a strategy that will accommodate a large bellyhold capacity across its anticipated fleet — set to boost the Kingdom’s overall cargo network. The airline is set to integrate AI-driven demand forecasting for its cargo operation and form partnerships with logistics players to streamline operations. The primary focus will be on high-value segments such as e-commerce, pharma, and perishable goods.

A “disruptive model”: Riyadh Air plans to stand out as a digital-native airline, deploying AI to smooth its operations by using biometrics and advanced data analytics to ease the customer journey. “We curate seamless, end-to-end travel experiences, ranging from immersive digital touchpoints to onboard experience crafted around Saudi hospitality,” the airline told us.

LOOKING AHEAD- The airline expects strong and sustained growth in Saudi Arabia’s airline market over the next five years. Passenger demand is expected to rise on the back of growing tourism and business travel into the Kingdom, while cargo volumes are also expected to surge as the Kingdom plugs major investments into logistics and trade infrastructure under Vision 2030.

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