With Saudi Arabia-based startup airline Riyadh Air officially unveiling its stunning livery last week, the carrier will celebrate its launch with a planned low-altitude flyby on Monday. The debuted paint scheme is the first of two livery designs the airline plans to have.The celebratory and historic event will be the first of many milestones before Riyadh Air plans to begin operations in 2025. The carrier was founded on March 12, 2023.
A hometown reveal
After introducing the livery, Riyadh Air confirmed the planned flyover by counting down the days in a series of posts on social media. The airline tweeted on Saturday that a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, showcasing the elegant livery, will pass over its home base.
In addition to flying over its hub at King Khalid International Airport, the aircraft will fly past the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom Tower, and Al Faisaliyah Tower.
On June 4th, Riyadh Air unveiled the aircraft, registered N8572C, being rolled out of a Boeing hangar in Portland, Oregon. According to data from Flightradar24.com, the 787 departed from Portland later that morning at 11:57 and traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, arriving at 19:50. No other flight information was made available, but the aircraft will likely fly to Riyadh on Sunday to perform the flyover on Monday.
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A global leader with the Dreamliner
In March, Riyadh Air placed an order to comprise its fleet of more than 70 787-9 Dreamliners, contributing to its goal to become Saudi Arabia’s second flag carrier and a global leader.
“This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub,” the airline explained. “This will support the country’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visits by 2030.”
The airline also stated that passengers will enjoy its 787s interiors with state-of-the-art elements.
“As an airline that will be a global leader, Riyadh Air will equip its airplanes with the most advanced, state-of-the-art features with innovative, best-in-class cabin interiors and experiences, including next generation digital in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity solutions,” the airline said.
According to AeroTime, Riyadh Air does not plan to feature first class on its 787s, but rather business class, premium economy, and economy class. The move is a shift from Saudia, the current flag carrier of Saudia Arabia, which has many of its Boeing 777 aircraft cabins configured with first class.
Other aircraft in consideration
To complement its 787 fleet, Riyadh Air has been considering purchasing Airbus widebody jets. According to Airways Magazine, the airline has been in talks with the European aircraft manufacturer to buy 40 Airbus A350XWB family aircraft, marking the first time a Saudi carrier would operate the plane.
Simple Flying previously reported that the airline could soon announce another deal with Boeing to buy 737 MAX family aircraft. Sources close to the airline indicated that it is negotiating to order between 300 and 400 MAX aircraft in total due to demand expected over the next 10 years.
With the first 787-9 to feature Riyadh Air’s dark and striking livery, the airline also plans to showcase it at the Paris Airshow next week, where an announcement on purchasing 737 MAX aircraft could also occur.
Sources: AeroTime, Airways Magazine