Riyadh Air, the new national airline of Saudi Arabia, has announced its inaugural international flight will be to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) starting October 26. The carrier will operate a daily service from its base at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
However, initial access to these flights will be restricted. Tickets will only be available to select groups and airline employees as part of a controlled launch phase before a full public rollout.
Key Takeaways
- First Route: Riyadh Air will begin daily flights between Riyadh (RUH) and London (LHR) on October 26.
- Limited Access: The initial flights are not for public sale and are reserved for employees and select guests to test operations.
- Aircraft: The route will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with a three-class configuration.
- Strategic Goal: The airline aims to connect over 100 destinations by 2030, positioning Riyadh as a global aviation hub.
A Phased Operational Launch
Riyadh Air is taking a careful approach to its market entry. The initial flights to London are part of what the airline calls a "rigorous flight program" designed to ensure operational readiness. This strategy allows the carrier to test its service standards, crew performance, and ground operations before opening bookings to the general public.
Tony Douglas, the CEO of Riyadh Air, explained the reasoning behind this phased launch. According to a statement, the program is intended to perfect the passenger experience.
"This rigorous flight program ... allows us to fine-tune every detail, ensuring a seamless, reliable, and world-class experience," Douglas said. "This carefully sequenced approach is our pathway to perfect, and we are now incredibly close to full operations."
Douglas confirmed that this launch fulfills the airline's commitment to begin operations in 2025. Following the London debut, Riyadh Air plans to add flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) before the end of the year, continuing its gradual expansion.
Fleet and Cabin Configuration
The airline will use its Boeing 787-9 aircraft for the London route. These jets are configured with 290 seats across three cabins, designed to cater to a mix of premium and leisure travelers.
Cabin Breakdown on the Boeing 787-9
The aircraft features a modern interior with distinct classes:
- Business Class: 28 lie-flat suites arranged in a 1-2-1 layout. This includes four larger "Business Elite" suites offering more space.
- Premium Economy: 39 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration.
- Economy Class: 223 seats arranged in a standard 3-3-3 layout.
The total seat count of 290 positions Riyadh Air competitively among other carriers. For comparison, it is less dense than Qatar Airways' 787-9, which has 311 seats. However, it offers more capacity than the premium-heavy configurations of British Airways (216 seats) and United Airlines' new "United Elevated" interior (222 seats) on the same aircraft type.
Strategic Vision and Expansion Plans
Riyadh Air is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the country's economy and boost its tourism sector. The airline is designed to compete directly with established Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways for global transit traffic.
The carrier's long-term goal is to build a vast global network centered at its Riyadh hub. The plan includes serving approximately 100 destinations worldwide by the end of the decade. To achieve this, Riyadh Air has placed significant aircraft orders with both Boeing and Airbus.
Riyadh Air's Aircraft Orders
- Boeing: Up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for long-haul routes.
- Airbus (Widebody): Up to 50 Airbus A350-1000s, also for long-haul operations.
- Airbus (Narrowbody): Up to 60 Airbus A321neos for regional and medium-haul flights.
The delivery schedule for these new aircraft will dictate the pace of route expansion. According to recent reports, the first new 787 directly from Boeing is expected shortly, with a second arriving about a month later. The first Airbus A321neo is anticipated in the second half of 2026, which will enable the airline to expand its regional network.
New Loyalty Program and Partnerships
To attract frequent flyers, Riyadh Air is introducing a new loyalty program named Sfeer. While full details have not yet been released, the program is expected to offer innovative features. The airline has stated that members will be able to "share points, benefits, and Level Points" with friends, family, or a designated "community."
Early enrollees in the Sfeer program will be granted "The Founders" status, giving them priority access to book future flights when they become available to the public. This strategy aims to build a loyal customer base from the outset.
Riyadh Air has also been proactive in forming strategic alliances. The airline has already established partnerships with major players, including the Air France-KLM Group in Europe and Delta Air Lines in the United States. These agreements will provide feeder traffic and extend the new carrier's reach into key international markets.
