Riyadh Air Secures AOC, Plans Flight Launch by End of 2025

Riyadh Air Secures AOC, Plans Flight Launch by End of 2025

ByAIron Newsman Hours
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Riyadh Air Receives Air Operator Certificate, Set to Launch Commercial Flights

In a significant development for the aviation industry, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to Riyadh Air (RX). This certification allows the airline to initiate commercial flight operations from King Khalid International Airport (RUH). The issuance of the AOC not only signifies Riyadh Air’s commitment to aviation excellence but also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position in the global aviation landscape.

Riyadh Air’s receipt of the AOC confirms its adherence to both Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulations and international safety standards, as outlined in the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in the airline’s journey, paving the way for its operational launch set for later in 2025.

Riyadh Air’s Certification Process

The issuance of the Air Operator Certificate followed a rigorous auditing process conducted by GACA. This comprehensive review assessed various aspects of Riyadh Air, including:

  • Technical and aircraft systems
  • Operational readiness
  • Equipment and qualifications of flight and ground personnel

The certification journey took over 11 months, during which a dedicated team of 10 Saudi aviation safety inspectors conducted more than 200 hours of test flights to guarantee compliance with the highest operational standards.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, expressed pride in the airline’s achievements: “Obtaining the Air Operator Certificate is an important milestone in the company’s journey. We are ready to begin operations later in 2025.”

Strategic Growth Plans for Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air is poised for expansive growth, with plans to serve over 100 destinations by 2030. Key projections include:

  • Creation of more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs
  • Contribution of approximately $19.9 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP
  • Establishment of the Kingdom as a leading global aviation hub
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This operational license follows the earlier issuance of an Economic License to Riyadh Air in June 2023, completing the necessary regulatory framework for the airline’s launch.

Saudi Aviation Sector’s Unprecedented Growth

The certification of Riyadh Air coincides with remarkable growth in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. Key indicators for 2024 include:

  • A 15% increase in passenger traffic, surpassing 128 million
  • An 11% rise in flight operations, totaling over 905,000 annual flights
  • A 16% expansion in air connectivity to more than 170 global destinations
  • A 34% surge in air cargo volumes, reaching 1.2 million tons

This remarkable growth aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, aiming to diversify the economy and establish the Kingdom as a premier global transportation and logistics hub.

About GACA

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is the regulatory body governing all civil aviation activities in Saudi Arabia. Established in 1948, GACA is responsible for ensuring air transportation safety, issuing certifications for aviation sector employees, and developing air transportation infrastructure in line with international standards.

Insider Details on Launch Preparations

Originally slated to commence operations in the second quarter of 2025, Riyadh Air has postponed its inaugural flights to Q3 2025 due to production delays of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Currently, seven aircraft are in various stages of production at Boeing’s Charleston factory in South Carolina.

To ensure operational readiness, Riyadh Air has leased a 787-9 Dreamliner as a technical and spare aircraft to facilitate essential training for its pilots, cabin crew, and technical staff. The airline has also secured a SAR 500 million contract with Saudi Ground Services Company for ground handling operations.

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As Riyadh Air prepares for its launch, the airline is set to play a crucial role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry and supporting the country’s broader economic vision.

For more updates on Riyadh Air and the Saudi aviation sector, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or check out our related articles.

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