RIYADH- Riyadh Air (RX), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has taken a significant step towards full certification by launching its first non-commercial flight.
The inaugural flight, designated RX5001, departed from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh and landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah on September 12.
Riyadh Air Certification Flights
This flight marks a critical milestone in Riyadh Air’s pursuit of an Air Operator Certificate from the General Authority of Civil Aviation. The airline plans to conduct several domestic and international flights in the coming months as part of its certification flying program.
Riyadh Air has acknowledged the support of key partners in this endeavor. The airline recognized GACA for regulatory oversight, Saudia Airlines (SV) for providing the Boeing 787-9 aircraft, Riyadh Airports Co. for logistical assistance, Saudia Technic for aircraft maintenance, and Alsalam Aerospace Industries Co. for hangar facilities.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled Riyadh Air in March 2023 as part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to become a global aviation leader.
The airline aims to connect over 250 destinations and increase annual passenger traffic to 330 million, tripling the current volume.
Partnership with Global Carriers
The Saudi carrier has been actively forging partnerships with global aviation leaders.
In June, Riyadh Air signed agreements with Singapore Airlines (SQ) and Air China (CA), focusing on interline connectivity, codeshare arrangements, and potential collaborations in frequent flyer programs, cargo services, customer experience, and digital innovation.
These strategic alliances underscore Riyadh Air’s ambition to become a world-leading carrier. The airline aims to connect passengers to 100 global destinations by 2030, emphasizing sustainability and setting new travel standards.
Riyadh Air plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, contributing to economic diversification and job creation within the Kingdom. The airline’s impact extends beyond national borders, positioning Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global aviation industry.
In July, Riyadh Air signed a five-year agreement with GE Aerospace to utilize their flight operations software. This partnership equips the airline with data-driven analytics to optimize fuel consumption, enhance safety measures, and strengthen sustainability initiatives.
The implementation of GE Aerospace’s Fuel Insight software will help Riyadh Air establish itself as a leader in sustainable aviation. The airline will leverage real-time data monitoring and operations quality assurance to maintain high safety and quality standards across its advanced fleet.
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