Riyadh Air's first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has completed its initial test flight today (December 23), marking a “major milestone” in the Saudi start-up airline's delivery phase.
The aircraft took off from Boeing's facility in Charleston, South Carolina, and the flight was operated by Boeing's test pilots as part of the certification process.
This first flight marks the start of the test flight programme, which will be conducted in the US.
“Upon completion of the full test programme and receipt of the required certifications, the process will move to the next phase, during which Riyadh Air’s pilots will conduct further tests, followed by the official delivery of the aircraft to Riyadh Air,” said the PIF-owned airline.
Riyadh Air has already launched commercial flights from Heathrow to Riyadh onboard its technical spare 787-9 Dreamliner, which was formerly owned by Oman Air.
However, the flights are available only to select groups and airline employees, with the airline aiming for a full commercial launch in 2026.