Riyadh Air plans to secure operator certificate by end of 2024 and expand direct flights from Riyadh

Riyadh Air's CEO, Tony Douglas, announced plans to secure the airline's air operator's certificate by the end of 2024. The airline's first Boeing 787-9 is currently conducting proving flights, including routes to Kuala Lumpur. Douglas emphasized the need for more direct flights from Riyadh, citing the city's large population and its status as the capital of a growing G20 country. He described the current lack of service to major cities like Tokyo and Seoul as "totally and utterly unacceptable." The airline aims to launch its initial routes in early 2025, with a goal of serving 100 destinations within five years. Douglas noted that Riyadh Air will focus on high aircraft utilization and precision in slot times, while avoiding an extensive network in Australia and the US.