Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, is laying the groundwork for rapid international expansion, with plans to launch a new overseas destination every two months once operations commence. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the airline is awaiting the delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliners to begin service.
With an ambitious target to connect to 100 global cities by 2030, Riyadh Air is positioned as a key enabler of the Kingdom’s National Aviation Strategy, which aims to double passenger capacity to 330 million annually and significantly boost cargo handling to 4.5 million tonnes.
Four Boeing 787s are currently in various stages of production at Boeing’s Charleston facility in South Carolina. Service launch is expected shortly after the delivery of the first two aircraft. Although initial operations were slated for early 2025, supply chain delays at Boeing have shifted the timeline.
Riyadh Air has already secured landing slots for its first routes, though specific destinations remain undisclosed. The airline is strategically acquiring long- and narrow-body aircraft to fuel its growth, including a recently announced order for up to 50 Airbus A350s, with deliveries beginning in 2030. This follows existing commitments for 60 Airbus A321neo and up to 72 Boeing 787s, including options.
The expansion of Riyadh Air underlines Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position its capital as a premier global travel hub. As a cornerstone of Vision 2030, the airline is expected to play a vital role in boosting tourism, connectivity, and non-oil economic growth.
With Riyadh Air set to reshape the regional aviation landscape, international suppliers, aircraft service providers, airport infrastructure companies, and travel tech innovators will find a growing range of partnership opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving aviation sector.
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