Riyadh Air just got its official license to fly. With the Air Operator Certificate now in hand, Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier is officially cleared for takeoff—marking a major step toward becoming a global aviation force.
After nearly a year of rigorous testing and regulatory procedures, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has confirmed that Riyadh Air ticks all the boxes for safety, compliance, and operational readiness. The airline is now one giant leap closer to taking commercial flight.
A New Name Takes Off
The certification didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s been building quietly for months, behind the scenes.
The AOC was formally presented during a ceremony attended by top Saudi officials, including Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser and GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. CEO Tony Douglas accepted the certificate with a confident smile, saying the airline is now “ready to begin operations later in 2025.”
That certificate? It’s more than paper. It means Riyadh Air is now a fully recognized commercial airline under international law, with clearance to transport passengers.
Two paragraphs in one sentence now: From test flights to paperwork reviews, the process took 11 months and involved over 200 hours of flight time. A team of 10 Saudi inspectors combed through every detail—cockpit to cabin, systems to safety drills.
A Giant Bet on Aviation’s Future
Saudi Arabia isn’t just building an airline — it’s building an industry.
Riyadh Air is expected to fly to over 100 destinations by 2030. That’s not a typo. 100 cities across six continents, supported by a whopping fleet order of 132 aircraft. The airline will be based out of the King Khalid International Airport, serving as a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s grand Vision 2030.
And the numbers? They’re bold:
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Over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs created.
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$19.9 billion in non-oil GDP contribution.
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More than 100 global destinations on the map by the end of the decade.
One quick sentence here: It’s not just a new airline — it’s a national economic engine with wings.
What the Certificate Really Means
Well, it’s more than just a green light for flying planes. It’s a full government endorsement that Riyadh Air meets every operational and safety benchmark laid out under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation — the gold standard for global airlines.
The process broke down like this:
| Phase | What It Involved |
|---|---|
| Pre-Application | Initial discussions with regulators |
| Application | Submission of operational manuals and safety plans |
| Document Review | Thorough assessment of internal systems |
| Demonstration & Inspection | On-site evaluations, emergency drills, test flights |
| Final Approval | Formal confirmation and AOC issuance |
Each stage had its hurdles. But Riyadh Air crossed every one.
And they didn’t rush it. GACA ran their checks through a fine-toothed comb, ensuring the airline was fully prepared — not just on paper, but in practice.
Momentum Across the Skies
Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is having a serious moment.
The numbers from 2024 tell the story. Passenger traffic surged 15% to hit 128 million — a full quarter higher than pre-COVID levels. There were 905,000+ flights. Air connectivity rose by 16%. Cargo volumes shot up 34% to 1.2 million tons.
One sentence break: That’s more passengers, more flights, and way more cargo than ever before.
Riyadh Air isn’t launching into a vacuum. It’s entering a market that’s heating up — and fast.
And Saudi Arabia wants in. Big time.
Tony Douglas at the Helm
Let’s talk about the man in the pilot seat — not literally, but figuratively.
Tony Douglas is no rookie. Before joining Riyadh Air, he served as CEO of Etihad Airways. He also held senior roles in British defense and transport sectors. In short, he knows how to run big things.
His statement on the AOC was short but packed with pride: “It is the result of the efforts of many employees at Riyadh Air… we are now an airline with an operational license to transport our traveling guests.”
That “guest” language? It’s not accidental. Riyadh Air has been positioning itself as a premium service brand since Day 1. It’s aiming to rival not just regional carriers, but the likes of Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
What’s Next?
Right now, the airline isn’t selling tickets — not yet. Commercial flights are expected to launch in the second half of 2025.
Until then, Riyadh Air will focus on:
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Completing aircraft deliveries
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Finalizing routes and airport partnerships
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Scaling up operations, hiring crews, and training ground teams
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Building brand presence in international markets
The pressure’s on to deliver. Especially with the entire Kingdom watching — and backing it.
