RIYADH AIR, the new Saudi national airline, is set to begin commercial operations by the summer of 2025, according to Peter Bellew, the carrier’s chief operating officer. The former Ryanair executive said Riyadh Air, which is wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, is expected to operate its first revenue flight by the end of the first half of next year. The airline has agreed an interline and codeshare agreement with Saudia, the existing flag carrier, to facilitate simple connections for passengers using either airline. The partnership also covers commercial, digital development, aviation support services and cargo and logistics, and aims to optimise the routes of both companies to reduce any overlap.
Last March, Riyadh Air announced its first aircraft order for at least 39 Boeing 787s, with options for 33 more. The airline is being positioned as a point-to-point operator rather than competing with other Gulf carriers in the transit market.