Riyadh Air on Track to Secure Air Operator’s Certificate by Year-End

Riyadh Air is nearing a significant milestone as it approaches the final stages of obtaining its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). CEO Tony Douglas announced during the Routes World 2024 conference in Bahrain that the airline expects to receive the AOC before the end of the year. This development marks a crucial step towards launching Riyadh Air’s ambitious network plans set for early 2025.

Finalizing Route-Proving Flights

“We’re into route-proving flights at the moment,” said Tony Douglas. These flights are essential to demonstrate the airline’s operational capabilities and readiness to commence full services.

  • Current Focus: Completing route-proving flights
  • Timeline: AOC expected by year-end
  • Next Steps: Unveiling initial network plans in early 2025

The completion of these flights signifies that Riyadh Air is on track to meet its regulatory requirements. This progress ensures that the airline can move forward with confidence in its operational launch.

Overcoming Delivery Delays with Boeing

Riyadh Air has faced challenges due to delays in the delivery of its thirty-nine B787-9s from Boeing. These delays have necessitated multiple revisions of the airline’s initial plans.

Impact of Delays

Issue Details
Aircraft Delays 39 B787-9s from Boeing delayed
Plan Revisions Three major revisions to network plans
Commitment Serving 100 destinations in five years

Tony Douglas acknowledged that “delivery delays are an ever-present threat,” but emphasized the airline’s steadfast commitment to its growth strategy. Despite these setbacks, Riyadh Air remains determined to serve a vast network of destinations within its first five years.

Expanding the Fleet with Narrowbody and Widebody Aircraft

While details about Riyadh Air’s narrowbody aircraft orders remain undisclosed, Douglas hinted that the orders will be announced soon and are “roughly equivalent in scale” to the widebody order. This indicates a balanced approach to fleet expansion, catering to both long-haul and regional routes.

Additionally, Riyadh Air is actively seeking larger widebody planes to enhance its fleet. The airline’s CFO, Adam Boukadida, mentioned a request for proposals for ultra-widebodies like the B777 or A350-1000 earlier this year.

Commitment to Launching Revenue Flights in 2025

Riyadh Air has reaffirmed its dedication to initiating its first revenue flight in the first half of 2025. This launch is a pivotal moment for the airline, signaling the commencement of its operations and the realization of its strategic objectives.

  • Launch Timeline: First revenue flight in H1 2025
  • Operational Goals: Serve 100 destinations within five years
  • Future Plans: Expand fleet and network continuously

The strategic planning and ongoing efforts to secure the AOC underscore Riyadh Air’s readiness to enter the competitive aviation market. As the airline moves closer to its launch date, stakeholders remain optimistic about its potential to make a significant impact in the industry.

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