Saudi Arabia’s ambitious new national airline, Riyadh Air, has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), marking a major milestone ahead of its commercial launch later this year.
The certification, announced on Sunday, confirms that Riyadh Air has successfully met all regulatory, operational, and safety standards required by the Kingdom’s aviation authority. With this approval, the airline is now cleared to begin preparations for scheduled passenger flights, expected to commence before the end of 2025.
The establishment of Riyadh Air was first unveiled in March 2023 by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, who also serves as Saudi Arabia’s Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The new carrier is wholly owned by the PIF, the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, and represents a key pillar in Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and boost its tourism and transportation sectors.
Riyadh Air will be chaired by Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF, and guided by a leadership team composed of both Saudi and international aviation experts. At the helm as CEO is Tony Douglas, a seasoned industry executive with over four decades of experience in aviation and logistics. Douglas is widely known for his previous role as CEO of Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, where he served from 2018 to 2022.
The airline plans to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030, positioning Riyadh as a major global hub for air travel. Its modern fleet will feature 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft and 39 confirmed Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with an additional 33 Dreamliners on order, reinforcing the carrier’s commitment to combining comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.
The launch of Riyadh Air comes at a time of rapid transformation within Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. The Kingdom is aiming to triple annual passenger traffic to 330 million by the end of the decade and to significantly boost its cargo capacity. Riyadh Air is expected to play a central role in achieving those targets by connecting Saudi Arabia to key global markets and strengthening the Kingdom’s competitiveness in international aviation.
The AOC approval signals a strong vote of confidence in Riyadh Air’s readiness to enter the global stage, as the Kingdom continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, tourism, and economic diversification. With a modern fleet, experienced leadership, and a clear strategic vision, Riyadh Air is set to become a major player in the international airline industry.
