Riyadh Air 2025: Everything You Need to Know About Its History, Flights, Routes, and Careers
Riyadh Air is set to become a major player in the global aviation industry, representing Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision to transform Riyadh into a leading international travel hub. As the Kingdom’s second flag carrier after Saudia, Riyadh Air is poised to revolutionize air travel with a modern fleet, extensive routes, and innovative services. This guide provides an in-depth look at Riyadh Air’s history, flight operations, planned routes, and practical information on how to apply for a job with the airline in 2025.
History of Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air was officially announced on March 12, 2023, by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and boost tourism. The airline is wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), with Yasir Al-Rumayyan as its chairman. Tony Douglas, former CEO of Etihad Airways, was appointed as the CEO, bringing extensive experience to the startup.
Key milestones in Riyadh Air’s history include:
- March 2023: Announcement and initial order of 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft with options for 33 more.
- June 2023: Received its airline designator code “RX” from IATA and unveiled the first livery.
- June 2023: Obtained Passenger Air Transport Economic License from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
- October 2024: Confirmed an order of 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft to complement its fleet.
- April 2025: Received the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from GACA, authorizing it to commence commercial flight operations.
- June 2025: Ordered 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the Paris Air Show, with purchase rights for an additional 25.
Riyadh Air aims to operate its first commercial flights by the end of 2025, marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.
Flight Operations and Fleet Details
Riyadh Air’s operations will be based at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. The airline plans to serve over 100 destinations across six continents by 2030, positioning Riyadh as a strategic global aviation hub.
Fleet Composition
| Aircraft Type | Quantity Ordered | Role in Operations |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | 39 (with options) | Long-haul international flights |
| Airbus A321neo | 60 | Medium-haul and regional routes |
| Airbus A350-1000 | 25 (with purchase rights for 25 more) | Ultra-long-haul and high-capacity routes |
The fleet features the latest technology, including fuel-efficient engines, spacious cabins with larger windows, noise reduction, and advanced digital systems to enhance passenger comfort.
Partnerships and Alliances
Riyadh Air has signed cooperation agreements with major airlines such as Delta Air Lines, China Eastern Airlines, Saudia, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air China, and Egyptair. These partnerships will facilitate codeshare flights, frequent flyer program alignments, and seamless customer experiences.
Routes and Destinations
Riyadh Air plans to connect Riyadh to key global cities, focusing on expanding Saudi Arabia’s tourism and business connectivity. The initial route network will include:
- Major cities in Asia: Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo
- Key destinations in Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt
- Important hubs in North America: New York, Miami, Toronto
- Routes to Africa and the Middle East: Cairo, Nairobi, Dubai, Abu Dhabi
- Expanding to South America and Oceania in later phases
The airline’s goal is to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 target of attracting 150 million annual visitors.
How to Apply for a Job at Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air is expected to create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, offering exciting career opportunities in various fields including flight operations, engineering, customer service, administration, and corporate roles.
Steps to Apply for a Job
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Visit Official Website | Go to Riyadh Air’s careers page for current openings and application guidelines. |
| 2. Prepare Your CV | Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience, certifications, and skills. |
| 3. Submit Online Application | Fill out the online form and upload your CV and supporting documents. |
| 4. Assessment and Interview | Selected candidates undergo assessments, interviews, and background checks. |
| 5. Training and Onboarding | Successful candidates receive training aligned with Riyadh Air’s standards. |
Eligibility and Qualifications
- Flight crew: Valid licenses, flight hours, and medical certificates required.
- Cabin crew: Customer service experience, language proficiency (English mandatory), and physical fitness.
- Technical roles: Relevant engineering qualifications and certifications.
- Corporate roles: Degrees and experience in finance, marketing, HR, IT, or related fields.
Tips for Applicants
- Stay updated on job openings through Riyadh Air’s official channels and LinkedIn.
- Highlight experience in international aviation or customer service.
- Demonstrate alignment with Riyadh Air’s vision of innovation and digital-first service.
- Prepare for competency-based interviews focusing on teamwork, safety, and customer focus.
Summary Table: Riyadh Air at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | March 2023 |
| Ownership | Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) |
| CEO | Tony Douglas |
| Headquarters | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Main Hub | King Khalid International Airport (RUH) |
| Fleet Size (Planned) | 132 aircraft (Boeing 787-9, Airbus A321neo, A350-1000) |
| Destinations | 100+ worldwide by 2030 |
| Flight Operations Start | Expected end of 2025 |
| Job Opportunities | Flight crew, cabin crew, technical, corporate |
FAQs
Q1: When will Riyadh Air start its commercial flights?
A1: Riyadh Air is expected to commence commercial flight operations by the end of 2025.
Q2: What aircraft types will Riyadh Air operate?
A2: The airline will operate Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, Airbus A321neo, and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.
Q3: How many destinations will Riyadh Air serve?
A3: Riyadh Air plans to serve over 100 destinations across six continents by 2030.
Q4: Who owns Riyadh Air?
A4: Riyadh Air is wholly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Q5: How can I apply for a job at Riyadh Air?
A5: Job applications are accepted through Riyadh Air’s official website, where candidates can submit their CVs and follow the recruitment process.
Q6: What partnerships does Riyadh Air have?
A6: Riyadh Air has cooperation agreements with airlines including Delta Air Lines, Saudia, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Airlines, and others.
Conclusion
Riyadh Air represents a bold new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s aviation history, combining modern technology, strategic partnerships, and ambitious growth plans. With its launch slated for the end of 2025, the airline is set to enhance Riyadh’s connectivity, boost tourism, and create thousands of jobs. Whether you are a traveler eager to explore new destinations or a professional seeking a career in aviation, Riyadh Air offers exciting opportunities aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Stay tuned for Riyadh Air’s official flight schedules and job openings, and be part of this transformative journey in the skies.
