Riyadh Air, a new airline in Saudi Arabia, announced on Thursday that it will begin test flights from Riyadh to Jeddah, as part of the requirements set by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

Test Flights as a Milestone Towards Commercial Operations

The airline will operate these flights using a leased B787-9 aircraft from Saudia Airlines. This step is essential before the airline starts its commercial operations in 2025. The test flights are a critical part of Riyadh Air's journey towards gaining full certification.

Details of the First Test Flight

Flight RX5001 will take off from Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and land at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport. This marks the start of many local and international rotations in the coming months, as part of the flight testing program.

Support from Key Stakeholders

Riyadh Air expressed its gratitude to its key stakeholders, including GACA for ongoing oversight, Saudia Airlines for leasing the aircraft, Riyadh Airports Company for their support, Saudi Technic for aircraft maintenance, and Alsalam Aerospace Industries Company for airport facilities and additional support.

Path Towards Commercial Flights by 2025

The airline is set to expand its operations to both domestic and international routes. With a planned commercial launch in 2025, Riyadh Air is poised to become a significant player in Saudi Arabia's growing aviation sector.