Quick Links Riyadh Air obtaining its AOC by the end of 2024 Potential routes Expanding its network through codeshares Riyadh Air is advancing its efforts to obtain its air operator’s certificate (AOC) as the newest airline in Saudi Arabia and the general Middle East region – barring Israel’s airHaifa – is moving closer to launching operations in 2025. Book your flight from New York to Riyadh in May 2025 Riyadh Air obtaining its AOC by the end of 2024 Speaking at Routes World in 2024, Tony Douglas, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Riyadh Air, said that the airline was currently progressing through route-proving flights, with the process to be completed within days, according to a report by AviationWeek . Douglas added that Riyadh Air should obtain its AOC by the end of the year.
While so far, Riyadh Air has only ordered Boeing 787-9 aircraft, the airline’s chief executive noted that the airline was nearing a narrowbody order. In addition, the Saudi Arabian carrier will look to order larger twin-aisle jets in the near future. In early 2025, Riyadh Air will reveal its route network, with Douglas indicating that there will be few surprises on its served destination map, the AviationWeek report added.
Riyadh Air began its route-proving flights on September 12, using a SAUDIA 787-9, registered as HZ-ARA. The first flight was operated under the flight code RXI5001, with the 787-9 flying between Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and Jeddah King Abdulaziz In.
