Riyadh Air makes maiden flight

Saudi Arabia’s new airline Riyadh Air on Monday made its debut as it conducted a low-level flight over Riyadh, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, sporting the airline’s distinctive purple livery, took off at approximately 1 PM local time and embarked on a journey from Boulevard Riyadh City to Al Murabba.

This marked the first official flight for the start-up carrier, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2025. As many as 121 aircraft are being produced by the American company Boeing, of which the first aircraft has arrived in Saudi Arabia from the USA. By 2030, it will provide its services at the main airports of the three continents of the world.

During its flight, the Dreamliner showcased Riyadh Air’s new branding, flying past iconic landmarks such as the King Abdullah Financial District, the King Khalid Grand Mosque, the towering Kingdom Centre, and the impressive Al Faisaliah Tower.

Accompanying the aircraft was a jet from the Royal Saudi Air Force Display Team, Saudi Hawks, adding to the historical significance of the moment as Saudi Arabia welcomes its second national carrier.

The kingdom is pursuing aggressive expansion of its aviation industry as part of its Vision 2030 diversification initiatives.