Riyadh Air has confirmed on Sunday (December 14) that its third 787-9 aircraft has completed production and is ready to be delivered from Boeing's facility.
The Saudi PIF-owned start-up airline had previously said that it expected to receive its first 787-9 Dreamliner in mid-December.
The airline's other two Dreamliners are in the final stages of technical certifications and regulatory approvals to begin test flights, which will follow the completion of their livery painting.
Riyadh Air's first commercial service is expected to go live in early 2026.
The airline launched its inaugural flight on October 26 this year, flying from London Heathrow to Riyadh using a 787-9 Dreamliner technical spare aircraft.
The flight was only on sale to select groups and Riyadh Air employees. The technical spare was a former Oman Air aircraft.
This selective phase was designed to ensure “unparalleled operational readiness", the start-up airline said.
Delivery delays from Boeing led the airline to push back its initial launch from this year's third quarter.
In October this year, Riyadh Air signed a lease agreement with Saudi lessor and fellow PIF-owned AviLease for one 787-9 Dreamliner.
The deal marks the airline's first aircraft lease and is expected to be delivered during this quarter.
In November last year, Riyadh Air's CEO Tony Douglas told an Aviation Club luncheon that aircraft is the “principal issue” holding back the airline's commercial launch.
“We cannot operate until we take our first three aircraft,” he said at the time. “With the third aircraft, we're up and running, and in the game.”
In other news, Riyadh Air has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese technology company Huawei to strengthen the airline's digital capabilities.
The partnership, announced today (December 15), aims to “elevate how guests discover, book and experience travel" with the airline.
Riyadh Air and Huawei will adopt a phased approach to developing the airline’s next-generation digital ecosystem, beginning with a focus on China and other key international markets.
With key milestones achieved, Huawei will now support Riyadh Air’s broader digital transformation, leveraging its expertise in cloud, AI, mobility services, and integrated digital ecosystems.
“The China market is an important part of Riyadh Air’s global expansion and essential to Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth,” said Vincent Coste, chief commercial officer of Riyadh Air.
“As the Kingdom raises its target to 150 million tourists by 2030, our partnership with Huawei strengthens our ability to deliver the digital, seamless and personalised journey Chinese guests travellers expect.”
The partnership follows a similar collaboration with IBM, announced last week, to help Riyadh Air launch the “world's first AI-native airline”.
“Designed from the ground up without legacy patch work, these AI-driven operations provide the foundation to transform guest and employee experiences and set a new benchmark for innovation in the aviation industry,” Riyadh Air said in a statement.
The partnership will see the airline focus on building intelligent employee workflows, customer care, and crew enablement using generative and autonomous AI. Riyadh Air will also use such technology to improve its efficiency, decision-making and innovation.