Riyadh Air Completes Initial Test Flights for Air Operator Certificate

Initial Test Flights Mark Key Certification Milestone

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's ambitious new national airline, successfully completed its initial test flights on September 12, 2024. The flights, designated RX5001 and RX5002, saw a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner depart from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, heading to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and returning. These flights were a critical component of the airline's process to secure its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Kingdom's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), a mandatory step before commencing commercial services.

For these initial certification flights, Riyadh Air utilized a leased Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Saudia Airlines. The successful completion of these operations underscores the airline's commitment to operational readiness and adherence to stringent aviation standards.

Fleet Development and Operational Milestones

Beyond these initial certification flights, Riyadh Air has marked several other significant milestones in its journey towards full operation. On December 23, 2025, the airline celebrated the successful completion of the initial B1 test flight for its first production Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This flight took off from Boeing's manufacturing facility in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, and was operated by Boeing test pilots as part of the manufacturer's standard certification and quality assurance procedures, preceding the formal delivery of the aircraft to Riyadh Air.

Earlier in the year, on October 26, 2025, Riyadh Air also conducted its inaugural operational flight, RX401, from Riyadh to London Heathrow Airport. This flight, using a leased Boeing 787-9 named 'Jamila' (registration HZ-RXX), was primarily for airline employees and select groups, serving as a crucial step in fine-tuning operational excellence ahead of broader commercial services. Additionally, on January 23, 2025, a test flight (RXI5014) was conducted from Riyadh to Istanbul, further contributing to training and operational preparations.

Strategic Vision for Global Connectivity

Riyadh Air, wholly owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), was formally announced on March 12, 2023. The airline's strategic objectives are deeply integrated with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to transform Riyadh into a global aviation hub and connect the Kingdom to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.

The airline has placed significant orders for its future fleet, including 39 firm orders for Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with options for 33 more, and orders for Airbus A321neo and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Under the leadership of CEO Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air aims to be a digitally native airline, focusing on exceptional guest experiences and contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia's non-oil GDP growth.