RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier Riyadh Air launched its first scheduled Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner service on Wednesday, marking a major milestone in the airline’s commercial rollout and the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global aviation hub.
The inaugural flight, RX401, departed King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and arrived at London Heathrow at 7:30 a.m. local time, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
The service marks the operational debut of Riyadh Air’s newly delivered Boeing 787-9 fleet, less than a week after the airline received its first custom-built Dreamliners. The carrier took delivery of its first two aircraft on June 5, followed by a third on June 7, with additional deliveries expected in the coming months.
The London flight represents a significant step for Riyadh Air, which had been operating daily services to Heathrow since October using its reserve aircraft “Jamila” under the airline’s “Pathway to Perfect” readiness program. The initiative was designed to test operations, evaluate passenger touchpoints and prepare for full commercial service using the new Dreamliner fleet.
The Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature a four-class cabin configuration comprising Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy, along with next-generation in-flight entertainment, Bluetooth connectivity and high-speed digital services that support the airline’s technology-focused business model.
