Riyadh Air is to begin certification flights in September 2024 as it progresses towards the launch of its commercial flights in 2025, CEO Tony Douglas said at the Future Aviation Forum 2024 being held between May 20 and May 22.
Local outlet argaam reported that the up-and-coming Saudi Arabian airline had ""clarified to Boeing and Airbus"" its status as an emerging player as aircraft delays persist. It has 72 787-9 Dreamliners on order.
""Our mission is to connect over 100 different destinations by 2030,"" said Douglas. He added: ""This isn't merely about catching up; it's about providing the Kingdom the connectivity it deserves. From Beijing to Tokyo, our aim is to eradicate the unacceptable lack of direct flights, ensuring quality service alongside expanded connectivity.""
As it looks to ramp up its fleet and connectivity over the next five years, the new airline has also partnered with Saudia to train its crew. The airline signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudia Group subsidiary Saudia Academy at the forum. The agreement will see Saudia Academy train Riyadh Air's pilots, cabin crew, and flight dispatchers.
""By pooling our strengths and leveraging our collective experience, we aim to establish a world-class training ecosystem that empowers aviation professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles,"" said Riyadh Air chief operating officer Peter Bellew.
Saudia Academy CEO Ismail AL Koshy commented: ""Through this partnership, we are poised to set new benchmarks in aviation training"".
Douglas had told Arab News that the airline's ""next milestone"" will be the Paris Fashion Week in June 2024 where it will unveil its cabin crew uniform. Though, Douglas claimed ""our cabin crew won't wear cabin crew uniforms, it'll be cabin crew fashion"" as it aims to bring ""glamour into aviation"". Look out for the reveal of this ""haute couture fashion collection"" at Aviation Life.
Riyadh Air to begin certification flights in September, partners with Saudia
