Riyadh Air is ready for take-off with the first of its new aeroplanes
One step closer
Saudi Arabia, a country now known for its bold moves across all industries, is launching its new national carrier, and it is most definitely going to be one of the biggest launches of the region. And now we’re even closer. Feast your eyes on the first new Riyadh Air aeroplanes.
Set to connect more than 100 destinations by 2030, the carrier’s livery distinguishes itself with its gorgeous purple accents and contrasting colours.
Fresh from the @BoeingAirplanes factory!
Our first 787-9 aircraft is getting ready to roll off the assembly line and soon wear Riyadh Air’s iconic livery ✈Thank you to our partners at @Boeing for bringing this milestone to life. pic.twitter.com/09GgyMRGKZ
— Riyadh Air (@RiyadhAir) August 26, 2025
Launching in late 2025, Riyadh Air is wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, the country’s sovereign wealth fund. The airline essentially represents a new era for travel in both Saudi Arabia and beyond. Almost as if everything we know about travelling in Saudi Arabia is set to get a major upgrade.
Confirming the news with a post on X (formerly Twitter), the airline stated that its first 787-9 aircraft, crafted by Boeing, is getting ready to roll off the assembly line and will soon be spotted wearing the airline’s iconic livery.
Riyadh Air will operate with three core principles: delivering the ultimate travel experience to everyone on board, building an all-inclusive community that has a shared love for discovery, and operating as sustainably as possible.
So…when’s the first flight?
Riyadh Air could touch down at Heathrow Airport as soon as Sunday October 26 this year. Just last month, Saudi Arabia’s new flag carrier announced that it would commence flights before the end of 2025, and now we have a significant clue about its initial network. Airport Coordination Limited, the slot coordinator of choice for over 78 airports worldwide, has released a document that reveals Riyadh Air having secured a daily morning slot at London Heathrow.
