Riyadh, Jun 11(V7N) – Saudi Arabia's second national airline, Riyadh Air, has officially launched its commercial operations after more than a year of delays, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's efforts to expand its aviation sector and strengthen its position as a global transportation hub.
According to a report by Al Jazeera on Wednesday (June 10), a Boeing 787 Dreamliner departed from Riyadh for London at 2:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday (June 9), marking the airline's inaugural flight. The aircraft featured Riyadh Air's distinctive white and light-purple livery.
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's second state-owned carrier, was established as part of the Kingdom's broader strategy to transform the capital city, Riyadh, into a major international aviation hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.
The airline was originally expected to begin operations in 2025. However, the launch was delayed due to supply chain disruptions affecting aircraft manufacturer Boeing, including production slowdowns and safety-related challenges.
Regional instability also contributed to uncertainty surrounding the project's timeline. Recent drone and missile attacks targeting facilities across parts of the Gulf region, including airports and critical infrastructure, raised additional security and economic concerns for the aviation industry.
Saudi authorities believe the launch of Riyadh Air will play a key role in supporting the country's economic diversification plans, boosting tourism, increasing international connectivity and creating new employment opportunities in the aviation sector.
The airline is expected to gradually expand its network by adding more international destinations and increasing its fleet in the coming years as part of Saudi Arabia's long-term aviation development strategy.
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