Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's national carrier, launched its inaugural service between Riyadh and Manchester on Wednesday, marking its second UK destination after London and its 14th route worldwide, according to a statement from the airline said on Thursday.

The inaugural flight, RX0417, departed King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 1:30 am local time and landed at Manchester Airport at 6:40 am. The return service, RX0418, departs Manchester at 8:40 am and is scheduled to arrive in Riyadh at 5:20 pm. The non-stop route will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Riyadh Air said the route gives passengers in the north of England direct access to Riyadh along with onward connections across its network, including to Jeddah and cities in Asia such as Bangkok, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said it was exciting to launch the inaugural flight to Manchester, the airline's second UK destination and 14th worldwide. He said Manchester serves as a key gateway for the airline's guests to reach cities in the Middle East and Asia, while also being a popular cultural destination in its own right, and that the airline looks forward to welcoming guests aboard its modern aircraft to experience genuine Saudi hospitality, known locally as "Hafawa."

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said the airport was proud to connect people across the north of England with destinations worldwide, calling the new route to Riyadh a big moment for the airport. He said Riyadh Air's decision to select Manchester as one of its first European destinations reflected both the city's appeal and the strength of demand for long-haul travel from the north of England.

The Manchester service was developed in partnership with Saudi Arabia's Air Connectivity Program, the executive enabler of the Kingdom's National Tourism and Aviation Strategies, and builds on Riyadh Air's London route, launched on June 10. The airline said the two UK services support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions to grow tourism and strengthen international connectivity.

Riyadh Air's Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, with in-flight entertainment through Panasonic Avionics' Astrova system, Saudi-made Kayanee amenities and a wellness programme for passengers. The airline also offers a loyalty programme called Sfeer, which includes a "Best Offer Guarantee," no points expiry, and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi.