ISTANBUL- The Flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Air (RX) operated its first test flight from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh to Istanbul Airport (IST) on January 23, 2025.
The Saudi carrier is set to capitalize on the Saudi Vision 2030 mission as it plans to serve over 100 destinations by 2030. So far it has partnered with 8 airlines including Turkish Airlines (TK). Further, it has 132 aircraft orders and plans to create over 200,000 jobs.
Photo: HavasRiyadh Air First Test Flight
According to FlightRadar24 data, Riyadh Air operated its first test flight as RXI5014 took off from Riyadh at 11:35 AM UTC.
After being airborne for around four hours, the flight landed safely at Istanbul Airport at 3:42 AM UTC.
Photo: Riyadh AirThe aircraft was handled by Havas, a ground-handling company.
Havaş delivers ground handling services to over 200 airlines across airports in Türkiye and abroad. Its core operations include passenger and baggage handling, ramp services, aircraft cleaning, load control, cargo and mail handling, flight operations, transportation, and representation and supervision services.
The company also offers warehouse services at Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, and Izmir airports, along with passenger transportation between airports and city centers.
Havaş ensures 24/7 uninterrupted service, prioritizing customer satisfaction and adhering to global security standards. It leverages advanced training simulators, a first in Türkiye’s aviation sector, to prepare employees for field operations. Refresher courses, e-learning programs, and personal development initiatives form a key part of its human resources strategy.
The flight was operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered as HZ-RXX. Further, it is a 7.9-year-old aircraft, previously operated by Oman Air (WY).
Following the delivery delays from Boeing, the airline has leased this aircraft as a spare to train its crew and conduct test flights.
The airline will launch operations in the second half of this year as soon as they get two aircraft.
Photo: Riyadh AirStrategic Partnership with Turkish Airlines
Last year, Riyadh Air and Turkish Airlines signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding during the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, establishing a comprehensive partnership to enhance global connectivity and passenger experience.
The agreement enables seamless interline and codeshare services between the two carriers, allowing passengers to leverage each airline’s extensive global network. Passengers will benefit from interconnected travel routes spanning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and beyond their respective Riyadh and Istanbul hubs.
Signed by Turkish Airlines Chief Investment and Technology Officer Levent Konukcu and Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, the memorandum anticipates implementation following Riyadh Air’s operational launch in mid-2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
The collaboration encompasses multiple strategic dimensions, including reciprocal loyalty program point earnings, potential broader loyalty agreement development, and exploration of synergies across aviation services, cargo operations, and digital technologies.
Levent Konukcu emphasized the partnership’s significance, describing it as a bridge strengthening bilateral ties between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia while expanding customer travel options and convenience.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas highlighted the partnership’s strategic importance, noting enhanced global connectivity through Turkish Airlines’ extensive network, particularly accessing 130 destinations worldwide in Türkiye, Europe, and the Americas.
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Riyadh Air First Launch Flight Affected Amid 787 Delivery Delay
The post Riyadh Air Operates the First Test Flight to Istanbul appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
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