Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s second national airline, has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), allowing it to begin commercial operations. The AOC was awarded following comprehensive evaluations that confirmed Riyadh Air’s full compliance with international aviation safety standards, operational protocols, and technical requirements set by the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.
Following the issuance of an economic license in June 2023, Riyadh Air now holds all the necessary certifications to launch its services. The airline plans to connect to over 100 cities by 2030, backed by an ambitious order of 132 aircraft, including 72 Boeing 787s and 60 Airbus A32neos. Riyadh Air is set to create over 200,000 direct and indirect job opportunities and is projected to contribute approximately $19.9 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil revenue.
The airline also signed a 2.3 billion riyal catering contract and has partnered with various service providers to prepare for full-scale operations. The licensing journey, which lasted over 11 months, included thorough inspections, review of operational documents, and more than 200 hours of test flights supervised by 10 GACA safety inspectors and technicians.
As Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry experiences significant growth—with a projected 15% increase in passengers to 128 million in 2024 and 11% growth in flight numbers—the launch of Riyadh Air is expected to further boost the Kingdom's global connectivity. The airline’s debut is part of broader efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a top tourist and business destination, especially targeting attractions like Al Ula and Deira.
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