Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air has unveiled its first two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and opened ticket sales for five destinations, marking the airline’s largest network launch ahead of the start of commercial operations.

The announcement came as a third Boeing 787-9 arrived in Jeddah on Sunday, joining the carrier’s growing fleet. Public Investment Fund Gov. and Riyadh Air Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and CEO Tony Douglas attended the inauguration ceremony.

The airline launched ticket sales for flights to Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid, and Manchester, and it will announce additional destinations in the coming weeks. Riyadh Air also brought forward the launch of its Riyadh-London service to June 10 from July 1, citing faster aircraft deliveries and operational readiness.

The initial network rollout will begin with Jeddah on June 14, followed by Dubai on June 18, Cairo on June 25, Madrid on July 17, and Manchester on July 23.

All routes will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the first phase of a planned 72-aircraft order that will underpin the airline’s long-term international expansion strategy.

Al-Rumayyan said the launch reflects the broader ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, including strengthening global connectivity, advancing economic diversification, and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a key global transport and logistics hub.

Osamah Alnuaiser, senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications at Riyadh Air, said the carrier expects to receive 10 aircraft by the end of 2026.

In remarks to Al Eqtisadiah newspaper, he added that the long-term fleet will consist of 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, forming the backbone of the airline’s growth strategy.

He said Riyadh Air aims to connect to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to transform the Kingdom into a global aviation and logistics hub.

Alnuaiser described the timing of the launch as an “opportunity capture” moment, and he noted that both challenges and market opportunities shape aviation growth.

Douglas described the rapid rollout of destinations after the first aircraft arrived as a key milestone in the airline’s growth journey. He said the airline selected the initial destinations based on strong travel demand and their potential to boost business and tourism flows.

He added that the network strategy is designed to strengthen links between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa while positioning Riyadh as a major global transit hub. Tickets for the new routes became available through the airline’s website, mobile app, and travel partners on June 7.

Riyadh Air also launched its founding loyalty program, Sfeer, offering benefits including free onboard Wi-Fi, a Best Offer Guarantee, sharing of family status points, and a rewards structure with no points expiry. Early members designated as “Founders” will receive priority access to new routes and additional benefits.

The airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will feature four cabin classes—business elite, business, premium economy, and economy—equipped with next-generation inflight technology and enhanced passenger comfort.

Source: Arab News