RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier Riyadh Air launched its first scheduled Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner service on Wednesday, marking a major milestone in the airline’s commercial rollout and the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global aviation hub.
The inaugural flight, RX401, departed King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and arrived at London Heathrow at 7:30 a.m. local time, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
The service marks the operational debut of Riyadh Air’s newly delivered Boeing 787-9 fleet, less than a week after the airline received its first custom-built Dreamliners. The carrier took delivery of its first two aircraft on June 5, followed by a third on June 7, with additional deliveries expected in the coming months.
The London flight represents a significant step for Riyadh Air, which had been operating daily services to Heathrow since October using its reserve aircraft “Jamila” under the airline’s “Pathway to Perfect” readiness program. The initiative was designed to test operations, evaluate passenger touchpoints and prepare for full commercial service using the new Dreamliner fleet.
The Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature a four-class cabin configuration comprising Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy, along with next-generation in-flight entertainment, Bluetooth connectivity and high-speed digital services that support the airline’s technology-focused business model.
Wholly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air was launched in 2023 as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to expand air connectivity, boost tourism and diversify the economy beyond oil. The airline received its Air Operator Certificate from Saudi aviation regulators in April 2025.
The carrier plans to connect Riyadh with more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030 and is targeting nearly 20 destinations by the end of this year. Its current fleet deliveries form part of a broader order for 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with longer-term plans to expand to more than 180 aircraft.
Riyadh Air is expected to play a central role in Saudi Arabia’s aviation transformation, with authorities projecting the airline will contribute nearly $20 billion to the non-oil economy and support more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The London Heathrow route will serve as the cornerstone of Riyadh Air’s international network as the carrier seeks to position Riyadh as a major gateway linking Asia, Africa and Europe.
