Riyadh Air received its air operator’s certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia on April 6, 2025, after an 11-month certification process involving over 200 hours of test flights.
The AOC issuance confirms Riyadh Air’s compliance with Saudi aviation regulations, international standards, and flight safety requirements as per the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.
CEO Tony Douglas announced that Riyadh Air plans to commence scheduled passenger flights by the end of 2025, postponing the initial launch date from the first quarter to the third quarter.
The airline currently operates a single B787-9 and aims to add 39 more of the same model, alongside the delivery of 60 A321-200Ns.
Riyadh Air is in negotiations to purchase additional widebody aircraft, expressing interest in A350-1000s and B777X models to expand its fleet.
