Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air is a Saudi Arabian flag carrier being developed as a global airline headquartered in Riyadh.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Riyadh Air is a Saudi Arabian airline established in 2023 under the ownership of the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. It is intended to become the country's second flag carrier after Saudia and to use Riyadh as a major international aviation hub. The airline is part of the wider Saudi Vision 2030 program, which seeks to diversify the national economy, expand tourism and logistics, and increase the kingdom's connections with global markets. The airline was formally announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on 12 March 2023. Its planned business model centers on long-haul and international scheduled passenger services, supported by a large, predominantly wide-body fleet and a target of serving more than 100 destinations across six continents by 2030. Riyadh Air's principal base is King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Its proposed network has included major cities such as London, Dubai, Madrid, Cairo, Manchester and Jeddah, with additional destinations expected as aircraft are delivered and regulatory approvals are completed. Riyadh Air's initial aircraft plan has combined Boeing and Airbus aircraft. The airline announced an order for 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in March 2023, with options for 33 additional aircraft. It later announced plans for 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft and an order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, together with purchase rights for another 25. The broader planned fleet has been described as including Airbus A321neo, Airbus A350-1000, Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 787-10 aircraft. General Electric's GEnx-1B engines were selected for the planned Boeing 787-9 fleet. Before scheduled service, Riyadh Air used aircraft and brand demonstrations to establish its visual identity and operational capability. It revealed its first livery in June 2023 on a Boeing 787-9 owned by Boeing rather than entering the airline's permanent fleet. The company received the IATA designator RX in June 2023 and obtained a Passenger Air Transport Economic License from Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation shortly afterward. A leased Boeing 787-9 received in January 2025 was intended for technical-spare and training purposes. Riyadh Air received GACA approval to begin flight operations in April 2025 and reported its first commercial flight on 26 October 2025. Partnerships are central to the airline's market-entry strategy. Riyadh Air has pursued codeshare, interline or broader cooperation arrangements with carriers including Delta Air Lines, China Eastern Airlines, Saudia, Air France-KLM, Air Europa, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air China, All Nippon Airways, Air India and EgyptAir. Its agreement with Delta created a framework for future codesharing and coordination of customer-service and loyalty experiences. The airline has also pursued technology partnerships with FLYR and Amadeus, including modern offer-and-order retailing, New Distribution Capability content, personalized offers and dynamic pricing. The brand has sought visibility beyond aviation through sports sponsorships. It became a shirt sponsor of Atlético Madrid in 2023 and later became an official airline partner of CONCACAF. It also acquired naming rights associated with Atlético Madrid's stadium, demonstrating a positioning strategy built around international visibility, Saudi national ambition and premium global connectivity. Riyadh Air has additionally announced plans for a cargo business, Riyadh Cargo, and a co-branded Mastercard payment-card program called RX Pay. Riyadh Air is positioned as a digitally oriented, globally focused carrier rather than solely as a domestic airline. Its commercial proposition is linked to Riyadh's development as an aviation and business center, while its fleet commitments and alliance relationships are designed to support long-range growth. The airline's economic objectives have been described by Saudi authorities as contributing to non-oil GDP and creating substantial direct and indirect employment, although no independently verified financial performance figures are included here.
History
Riyadh Air was announced on 12 March 2023 by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a new national airline owned by the Public Investment Fund. The project was conceived within Saudi Vision 2030, a national development program that includes economic diversification, tourism expansion, employment creation and the transformation of Saudi Arabia into a major logistics and transport center. Based in Riyadh, the airline is intended to complement rather than replace Saudia and to give the kingdom a second large-scale flag carrier focused heavily on international connectivity. The first major fleet commitment followed two days after the launch announcement. Riyadh Air ordered 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for 33 additional aircraft. In June 2023, the airline selected 90 General Electric GEnx-1B engines for its planned Boeing 787-9 fleet. It also began building its public identity before entering regular service: on 4 June 2023, it displayed its first livery on a Boeing-owned Boeing 787-9. The aircraft served as a branding platform and was not intended to become part of the airline's operating fleet. Riyadh Air received the IATA airline designator RX at the World Air Transport Summit in Istanbul and obtained its Passenger Air Transport Economic License from the General Authority of Civil Aviation later that month. The airline's management and ownership structure were also established during its formative period. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Public Investment Fund, was appointed chairman, while Tony Douglas became chief executive officer. Douglas brought previous experience as chief executive of Etihad Airways, although Riyadh Air represented a new organization being built from the ground up rather than an established carrier undergoing rebranding. Riyadh Air expanded its fleet plan in 2024 and 2025. It confirmed 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft in October 2024, adding a narrow-body type suitable for regional and shorter international routes. In June 2025, it announced 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, together with purchase rights for a further 25. The resulting plan has been described as a four-type fleet comprising A321neo, A350-1000, Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 787-10 aircraft. In January 2025, the airline received a leased Boeing 787-9 for technical-spare and training use, distinct from the factory-new aircraft intended for its long-term commercial fleet. Commercial preparation included a substantial technology and distribution program. In October 2024, Riyadh Air announced a partnership with FLYR to deploy an offer-and-order retailing platform. The planned system was intended to support modern airline merchandising and order management. In August 2025, the airline announced a partnership with Amadeus to distribute future New Distribution Capability content, enabling personalized offers and dynamic pricing through third-party distribution channels. Riyadh Air also developed a broad partnership network. Its relationships and agreements have involved SkyTeam members such as Delta Air Lines, China Eastern Airlines, Saudia, Air France-KLM, Air Europa and Virgin Atlantic, as well as Star Alliance members including Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air China, All Nippon Airways, Air India and EgyptAir. These arrangements are intended to expand connecting options while Riyadh Air builds its own aircraft fleet and route schedule. A separate cargo special-prorate agreement was announced with Pakistan International Airlines. Brand marketing has relied significantly on international sports. Riyadh Air became a shirt sponsor of Atlético Madrid in 2023. In 2024, it became an official airline of CONCACAF, extending its visibility into North American football. It also acquired naming rights associated with Atlético Madrid's home stadium, linking the airline to a high-profile European sports property. The airline received GACA approval to start flight operations on 6 April 2025 and reported its first commercial flight on 26 October 2025. Its stated long-term objective is to serve more than 100 destinations on six continents by 2030. Subsequent plans have included the creation of Riyadh Cargo and a co-branded Mastercard program, RX Pay, which is designed to connect everyday card spending with the airline's Sfeer Points loyalty currency. Riyadh Air's development therefore combines fleet expansion, digital retailing, partnership distribution, sports sponsorship and ancillary financial products as it establishes a new global Saudi aviation brand.
- 2026
Riyadh Cargo established
[1]The airline announces a dedicated cargo business.
- 2025
First leased Boeing 787-9 received
[1]A leased 787-9 arrives for training and technical-spare duties.
- 2025
Approval to commence flight operations
[1]GACA approves Riyadh Air to begin flight operations.
- 2025
Airbus A350-1000 order announced
[1]The airline announces 25 A350-1000 aircraft plus purchase rights for 25 more.
- 2025
First commercial flight
[1]Riyadh Air reports operating its first commercial flight on 26 October.
- 2024
Delta cooperation memorandum signed
[1]Riyadh Air and Delta Air Lines establish a framework for potential codesharing and customer-experience coordination.
- 2024
Airbus A321neo fleet expansion
[1]Riyadh Air confirms plans for 60 A321neo aircraft.
- 2023
Riyadh Air is formally announced
[1]Saudi Arabia announces Riyadh Air as a new national airline owned by the Public Investment Fund.
- 2023
Initial Boeing order announced
[1]Riyadh Air announces 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft with options for 33 more.
- 2023
Brand identity and IATA code introduced
[1]The airline unveils its first livery and receives the RX designator from IATA.
Products and positioning
A digitally native, premium-oriented Saudi flag carrier designed to connect Riyadh with a global network while supporting Saudi Vision 2030, tourism growth and the kingdom's emergence as an international aviation hub.
Airline services · 2025
Scheduled passenger flights
Riyadh Air's core product is scheduled passenger transportation from its Riyadh base to domestic and international destinations. The carrier is being developed with a global network ambition, targeting more than 100 destinations across six continents by 2030. Its planned fleet combines wide-body aircraft for long-haul flying with Airbus A321neo aircraft for regional and shorter international routes.
Long-haul passenger aviation · 2025
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner services
The Boeing 787-9 is a central aircraft in Riyadh Air's initial long-haul plan. The airline announced 39 aircraft of the type, with options for 33 additional units, and selected GEnx-1B engines for the planned fleet. A leased 787-9 was also used for training and technical-spare purposes before the delivery of factory-new aircraft.
Short- and medium-haul passenger aviation · 2024
Airbus A321neo
The A321neo is intended to give Riyadh Air a more flexible aircraft for regional services and thinner international routes. The airline confirmed plans for 60 aircraft in October 2024. This narrow-body type complements the carrier's planned long-haul fleet and can support network growth from Riyadh across the Middle East and nearby markets.
Long-haul passenger aviation · 2025
Airbus A350-1000
Riyadh Air announced an order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with purchase rights for another 25. The aircraft is planned as part of the airline's long-haul, high-capacity fleet and is intended to support the expansion of its global network as traffic volumes and aircraft deliveries grow.
Air cargo · 2026
Riyadh Cargo
Riyadh Cargo is the announced cargo business associated with Riyadh Air. It is intended to extend the group's aviation offering beyond passenger transport and support Saudi Arabia's broader logistics and trade ambitions. Detailed fleet, route and operating information has not been provided in the supplied material.
Financial and loyalty product · 2026
RX Pay
RX Pay is an announced co-branded Mastercard payment-card program. The product is designed to reward everyday purchases with Sfeer Points, linking payment activity to Riyadh Air's loyalty ecosystem. Detailed card terms, issuing bank and market availability are not specified in the supplied material.
Marketing campaigns
- 2024CONCACAF official airline partnership
North America · Central America · Caribbean
Riyadh Air became an official airline of CONCACAF, extending its football marketing into North American, Central American and Caribbean markets.
Outcome. The agreement broadened the brand's international sports exposure and connected it with a major regional football confederation.
- 2024Atlético Madrid stadium naming-rights partnership
Spain · International
Riyadh Air acquired naming rights associated with Metropolitano Stadium, Atlético Madrid's home venue.
Outcome. The arrangement increased the brand's visibility in a major European sports venue.
- 2023Atlético Madrid shirt sponsorship
Spain · International
Riyadh Air became the shirt sponsor of Atlético Madrid, using a prominent European football partnership to build international awareness before and during its market launch.
Outcome. The sponsorship established Atlético Madrid as one of the airline's principal global brand platforms.
Brand decisions
2025
Add Airbus A350-1000 aircraftProduct launchBackground
Riyadh Air continued to build a high-capacity long-haul fleet for its intended intercontinental network.
Action taken
The airline announced 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and purchase rights for 25 more.
Aftermath
The commitment expanded the planned fleet beyond Boeing aircraft and added another wide-body platform.
2025
Build a digitally native distribution modelStrategyBackground
As a new airline, Riyadh Air could design its commercial systems without legacy technology constraints.
Action taken
The airline partnered with FLYR for offer-and-order retailing and with Amadeus for future NDC distribution.
Aftermath
The partnerships positioned Riyadh Air around personalized offers, dynamic pricing and modern third-party distribution.
2024
Add Airbus A321neo aircraft to the fleet planProduct launchBackground
A global network requires aircraft suitable for regional and lower-density routes as well as long-haul sectors.
Action taken
Riyadh Air confirmed plans for 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Aftermath
The planned fleet gained a narrow-body component, increasing the range of possible route economics.
2023
Create a second Saudi flag carrierStrategyBackground
Saudi Arabia sought to expand aviation capacity, tourism, logistics and international connectivity under Vision 2030.
Action taken
The Public Investment Fund established Riyadh Air as a new airline headquartered in Riyadh, complementing Saudia.
Aftermath
The project became a central element of Saudi aviation expansion and was followed by major fleet and partnership commitments.
2023
Commit to an initial Boeing 787-9 fleetProduct launchBackground
The planned carrier required long-range aircraft to support a global network from Riyadh.
Action taken
Riyadh Air announced 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft and options for 33 more.
Aftermath
The order established the Boeing 787-9 as a foundation of the airline's long-haul fleet plan.
Recent events
- 2026
Riyadh Air announces Riyadh Cargo[1]
Other
The airline announced the establishment of a cargo operation under the Riyadh Cargo name.
- 2025
Riyadh Air receives approval to begin operations[1]
Regulation
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation approved the airline to commence flight operations.
- 2025
Riyadh Air announces Airbus A350-1000 order[1]
Product launch
The airline announced an order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and purchase rights for 25 additional aircraft.
- 2025
Riyadh Air begins commercial operations[1]
Product launch
Riyadh Air operated its first reported commercial flight on 26 October 2025.
- 2024
Riyadh Air signs cooperation framework with Delta Air Lines[1]
Other
The two airlines announced a memorandum covering potential codesharing and closer alignment of customer-service and loyalty experiences.
- 2024
Riyadh Air confirms Airbus A321neo order[1]
Product launch
The airline confirmed plans for 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft, broadening its planned fleet beyond wide-body aircraft.
- 2023
Saudi Arabia announces Riyadh Air[1]
Other
The Saudi government formally announced Riyadh Air as a new national airline owned by the Public Investment Fund.
- 2023
Riyadh Air orders Boeing 787-9 aircraft[1]
Product launch
The airline announced an order for 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft with options for 33 more.
- 2023
Riyadh Air reveals its first aircraft livery[1]
Product launch
Riyadh Air presented its first livery on a Boeing 787-9 demonstration aircraft and received the IATA designator RX.
Sources1 sources
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