Boeing 787-9 (Photo: Riyadh Air).
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Saudi Arabia: Delay in launch of new airline Riyadh Air

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For several years, Saudi Arabia has been pursuing an ambitious strategy to promote the tourism sector while significantly expanding the aviation industry. With a growing population of around 32 million and the goal of welcoming 2030 million passengers annually by 330 - three times as many as today - air transport is expected to make a decisive contribution to economic diversification. To achieve this ambitious goal, the establishment of a second national airline, Riyadh Air, was announced. But now there are delays in the airline's planned launch.

Riyadh Air was originally scheduled to begin operations in summer 2025. However, due to problems with the delivery of the first aircraft, a Boeing 787-9, the airline's launch has been postponed to the third quarter of the year. This means that the airline will not launch in the middle of the year as planned. The delay will impact its planned expansion and service delivery, as Riyadh Air aims to begin operations after the arrival of the first aircraft. Nevertheless, the company is optimistic about its future development.

The ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia

Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has set itself the goal of reducing its economic dependence on oil and repositioning itself as a global center for tourism and trade. A key component of this vision is aviation. The Saudi government is planning massive investments in the expansion of infrastructure, particularly in the area of ​​airports and airlines. Riyadh Air is a central part of this strategy, which also promotes the cultural opening of the country and strengthens the tourism market.

The Kingdom is pursuing a large-scale investment program aimed at expanding the aviation industry, creating new jobs and increasing air travel capacity. Saudi Arabia aims to attract more than 2030 million air passengers per year by 330, a huge increase from current levels. To achieve this goal, various initiatives have been launched, including promoting aviation infrastructure and creating an improved travel experience for international tourists.

The establishment of Riyadh Air, the country's second national airline, should be a central part of this effort. This airline will not only serve the domestic market but also act as an international flight network that will better connect Saudi Arabia worldwide and establish it as a tourist destination and transport hub.

The delay in the launch of Riyadh Air

However, the planned launch of Riyadh Air has been hit by unexpected challenges. The first aircraft supplier for the new airline, Boeing, has delayed the delivery of the first Boeing 787-9. The aircraft was originally scheduled to be delivered to Riyadh Air in mid-2025. But delivery is now only expected in the third quarter of the year. The Boeing 787-9 is a state-of-the-art long-haul aircraft that will be a key part of Riyadh Air's fleet.

Although the company is confident that the first deliveries will take place this year, some risk remains as even the latest aircraft industry forecasts are subject to uncertainty. In an interview with The Telegraph, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said that aircraft deliveries do not always go to plan and there could be further delays. "Given the latest forecasts, I am confident that we will receive deliveries this year. Is that completely risk-free? Obviously not," Douglas explained.

The delay in aircraft deliveries will impact the planned start of operations and flight operations. Riyadh Air expects to begin flight operations immediately after the arrival of the first aircraft, but hopes that the other deliveries will follow in a short period of time.

The personnel situation and future prospects

Despite the delays in aircraft deliveries, Riyadh Air is already well advanced in planning its operations. The airline has already hired over 60 cabin and cockpit crew members. This means the airline is well prepared for the upcoming commissioning and ensures that the necessary resources are available once flight operations begin. The cabin interior and service offerings are also in the works and are expected to be unveiled in the coming months. Riyadh Air aims to provide a high level of service quality that meets international standards and sets the airline apart from other competitors.

The delay in the launch of Riyadh Air is an unfortunate setback given the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's immense ambitions for the aviation sector, however, the long-term strategy remains undiminished. Riyadh Air's operations are expected to be an essential element in achieving the country's aviation and tourism goals. If the airline manages to successfully launch its operations, it could become a major player in international air transport and further drive Saudi Arabia's economic success.

The delay in the launch of Riyadh Air is another example of the challenges facing the aviation industry worldwide. Despite the difficulties in sourcing aircraft, Saudi Arabia remains optimistic and continues to focus on expanding its aviation capacity. With a clear vision for the aviation market and an impressive infrastructure strategy, Riyadh Air is an important element in the Kingdom's economic transformation. The coming months will show whether the airline can fulfill its great potential and achieve its desired goals.

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