Riyadh Air is closer than you think: the first test flight just took off
The new national carrier is flying in soon…
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s brand-new national carrier, has now started running its test flights. The first-ever test non-commercial flight for the carrier to obtain its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) took to the skies on Thursday September 12.
The first flight, RX5001 took off from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport in a leased B787-9 aircraft from Saudia Airlines.
Over the next few months, Riyadh Air will be operating a number of domestic and international flights as part of the flying program. With the goal being to board the maiden flight in 2025.
Another milestone in our journey toward our maiden flight in 2025 ✈️
#RiyadhAir pic.twitter.com/3ZG5uGJMEq
— Riyadh Air (@RiyadhAir) September 11, 2024
Earlier, the carrier also launched a special one-off flight displaying the beautiful new Riyadh Air livery on Monday June 12, 2023. The plane passed Riyadh landmarks including KAFD, Kingdom Tower and Al Faisaliah as it flew at low altitude across the city.
What is Riyadh Air?
Self-described as a brand new chapter in the sky, Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia’s new national airline. As a modern, best-in-class airline, it promises industry-redefining sustainability and safety practices, as well as next-level service standards that promise to create an exceptional travel experience.
The carrier’s operational hub will be Riyadh and the airline will connect the capital to more than 100 destinations globally as part of Vision 2030. Once fully functional, the airline aims to connect over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, covering three continents including Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The company is fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and is chaired by His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF. It also falls in line with the new master plan for King Salman International Airport, which is set to launch soon too.
What does it look like?
Simply put, it’s a visual masterpiece. The stunning indigo livery, which represents the lavender fields of the Kingdom and the colour of the sky at night, will be instantly recognisable when it takes to the skies.
What is the airline code?
The airline recently acquired a unique Riyadh Air Airline Designator Code from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), meaning all Riyadh Air flights will begin with the code ‘RX.’
For more information please visit: riyadhair.com
Images: Social