Riyadh Air to launch first international flight early 2025: CEO

CEO Tony Douglas

Tony Douglas, CEO of Saudi Arabia's new national carrier Riyadh Air said that the company is set to receive the first wide-body aircraft and launch its first international flight in early 2025.

Speaking to Asharq Business, the top official added that the new national carrier will announce soon its first order of aircraft, noting that the order will be 'substantial' and will reflect Riyadh Air's ambitions of carrying its brand to the rest of the world.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced today, March 12, the establishment of the new national carrier, which is wholly owned by the sovereign wealth fund, Argaam reported.

The new national airline represents PIF’s latest investment in the sector, along with the recently announced King Salman International Airport masterplan. It aims to enhance competitive ability of national peers in line with the Vision 2030 goals.

The new carrier aligns with the PIF’s strategy to unlock the capabilities of the promising sectors that can help drive the diversification of the local economy. The airline is expected to add SAR 75 billion to non-oil GDP growth and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.