RIYADH- The launch of the upcoming Saudi Arabian carrier, Riyadh Air (RX) can be delayed till the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025, according to Aviation A2Z sources.
According to previous reports, Riyadh Air was set to resume its operations in Q2 of 2025 but was pushed back to Q3 of 2025. However, it’s again getting delayed.
Photo: Riyadh AirRiyadh Air Launch Delayed
According to our sources, the delay is attributed to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner delay. Currently, there are seven Riyadh Air 787s undergoing production at Boeing’s Charleston factory in South Carolina.
Riyadh Air has selected General Electric GEnX-1B engines to power its 787 fleet.
Here’s the details about it:
| Line Number | Variable Number |
| 1) 1265 | ZF041 |
| 2) 1279 | ZF042 |
| 3) 1284 | ZF043 |
| 4) 1290 | ZF044 |
| 5) 1300 | ZF045 |
| 6) 1307 | ZF046 |
| 7) 1312 | ZF047 |
Currently, planes with line numbers 1234 to 1237 are undergoing a final assembly line. So looking at the backlog it seems that Riyadh Air might receive its first aircraft in Q4 of 2025 or it can be pushed back further in 2026.
Riyadh Air has leased 787-9 Dreamliner as a technical and spare aircraft to train its employees such as Pilots, Cabin Crew, and Aircraft engineers and technicians.
For ground handling, Riyadh Air signed a SAR 500 million contract with Saudi Ground Services Company. The airline has signed contract for 3 years and two additional years of extension.
Photo: Riyadh AirOther Updates
Well, Riyadh Air making multiple strides with each day, the carrier has made partnerships with global carriers and is looking to make new partners. Further, they are laying the groundwork for its operations by making strategic partnerships with established players.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas visited India with a delegation to explore potential airline partnerships in a market critical to the carrier’s growth strategy. The visit was scheduled for March 12-14, 2025, and was aimed to establish connections in what is projected to become Saudi Arabia’s largest tourism source market by 2030.
The Saudi Tourism Authority targets 7.5 million annual Indian visitors by decade’s end, building on the 50 percent increase in Indian travelers to Saudi Arabia in 2023, which reached over 1.5 million following strategic initiatives.
During the trip, the delegation will meet with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to secure necessary permissions for launching operations in India. Douglas will also hold discussions with India’s two largest airlines—IndiGo (6E) and Air India (AI)—to explore potential partnership agreements.
Photo: Riyadh AirExecutive Remarks
“India has long been a crucial part of Riyadh Air’s network planning ahead of the launch of our operations,” stated Tony Douglas. “India is a beautiful nation which will play a big part in the success story of our airline, as travel and business opportunities multiply with the expanded offerings we are set to provide.”
Douglas emphasized that beyond connecting people and fostering economic growth, Riyadh Air’s network will strengthen bonds between the two nations while enhancing their tourism sectors. He highlighted the airline’s commitment as “the world’s first digital native airline” to developing sustainable partnerships across Indian aviation stakeholders.
Coinciding with the visit, Riyadh Air has officially appointed Bird Travels as its exclusive distribution and sales partner in India. The company will leverage its extensive connectivity and understanding of India’s travel landscape to enhance Riyadh Air’s brand visibility and promote its flight services throughout the country.
Gaurav Bhatia, Executive Director of Bird Group, expressed honor in the partnership, stating, “We are confident that Indian travelers will embrace Riyadh Air’s innovative services and exceptional onboard experience.”
The development builds upon centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and India, with formal diplomatic relations established in 1947.
Riyadh Air plans to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030 as part of Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030 goals. The airline aims to increase Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP by $20 billion while creating over 200,000 new jobs globally and locally.
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The post Riyadh Air Launch Can Be Delayed by Q4 2025 | Exclusive appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
