With the completion of its first flight in its official livery, the new Saudi airline Riyadh Air has reached another milestone on the way to its commercial launch. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (registration HZ-RXX) flew from Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (RUH) to Istanbul (IST) last weekend, a journey of around four hours. The flight marks the start of an extensive training program to meet the operational requirements for the planned entry into service in the third quarter of 2025.
The aircraft, originally operated by Oman Air, is not part of Riyadh Air's regular order of 72 brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Instead, it will be used as a training platform for crew members and for obtaining the Air Operator Certificate (AOC). According to industry sources, Riyadh Air is expected to order more wide-body aircraft shortly, underlining the airline's ambitious expansion plans.
The use of the aircraft for training purposes is intended to prepare pilots and other personnel for the future requirements of flight operations. At the same time, the flight to Istanbul could also have technical reasons, as further details about its exact purpose are still unclear.
use of modern training methods
In addition to flying the Boeing 787-9, Riyadh Air relies on advanced simulators to optimize the training of its pilots. On January 27, 2025, the airline announced that it had received approval from the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia (GACA) to use the state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 RX7000 full-flight simulator. This technology makes it possible to recreate realistic flight conditions and make training more efficient.
This strategic approach reflects the airline's high standards, which aim to set high standards from the outset in both operational and human resources areas. Riyadh Air aims to become one of the leading airlines in the region and to establish itself as a global player in the long term.
Ambitious expansion plans
Riyadh Air's commercial launch is planned for the third quarter of 2025. With its base in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, the airline is positioning itself as a major player in the Middle East's aviation industry. Developments to date show that Riyadh Air is working towards a rapid expansion of its route network and fleet.
The order for 72 brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and the possibility of an additional wide-body aircraft order in the coming months indicate that the airline aims to meet the growing demand for international air traffic.
Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in its aviation industry in recent years to promote international air travel and position the country as a global hub. Riyadh Air, supported by the Saudi government, plays a central role in this strategy.
The coming months will be crucial in laying the foundations for a successful launch of Riyadh Air. With the continuous conduct of training flights, the use of state-of-the-art simulators and the expected expansion of the fleet, the airline is showing that it is ready to take on the challenges of a highly competitive industry.