New national carrier Riyadh Air, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, announced the arrival of its first two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This event took place today and marks a pivotal step in the company’s journey to begin operating flights.

Arrival of the Two Aircraft and Traditional Welcome

The two aircraft arrived simultaneously at the airport, and travelers observed their welcome with the traditional water salute ceremony used for such occasions. Each of the aircraft bears the logos “Riyadh 1” and “Riyadh 2,” registered under the codes HZ-RXAA and HZ-RXAB, respectively.

Specifications of the New Fleet

These two aircraft are among the first of the Riyadh Air fleet, which includes 72 advanced Dreamliner-class planes. The carrier aims to expand its fleet to over 180 aircraft, comprising a mix of narrow-body planes for short-haul flights and wide-body planes for long-haul routes.

Ambitions to Connect Riyadh with the World

Riyadh Air seeks to connect the capital to more than 100 international destinations by 2030, leveraging the Kingdom’s geographical location that links the continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe. This effort aligns with the goals of the aviation program in harmony with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Future Plans and Continued Deliveries

The company is scheduled to receive more aircraft of the same model in the coming weeks as part of the final certification phase. The CEO of Riyadh Air described this event as a historic day for the aviation sector in the Kingdom.

With this achievement, Riyadh Air takes a significant step toward realizing its ambitious vision and enhancing the Kingdom’s role as a regional aviation hub.

King Khalid International Airport

King Khalid International Airport, located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, opened in 1983 and was named after the late King Khalid bin Abdulaziz. Designed by the architectural firm Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum, the airport is noted for its modern, Islamic-inspired architecture and was built to serve as a major hub for the capital city. Today, it is one of the busiest airports in the kingdom, handling millions of passengers annually and featuring extensive facilities for both domestic and international travel.

Riyadh

Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. Historically a small, walled desert settlement, it grew into a major metropolis after becoming the seat of the Al Saud dynasty in the early 19th century and later the capital of a unified Saudi Arabia in 1932. Today, Riyadh is a modern global hub known for its towering skyscrapers, such as the Kingdom Centre, and its blend of traditional culture with rapid economic development.