Saudi Arabia’s newest airline has reached a new chapter of its short history, wit hthe airlines first Boeing 787-9 completing its first test flight in Charleston today. This significant milestone was completed as test flight B1 on Tuesday, December 23. Undertaken by Boeing test pilots, the aircraft will continue to be put through its paces before eventually being delivered to 
Riyadh Air.
New aircraft are required to undertake manufacturer-led standard certification procedures, making sure the aircraft is fit for purpose. Once the full test program is complete, and the aircraft has received all necessary certification, will see the plan move into the next phase, which includes Riyadh Air pilots completing their own tests before official delivery.
Once aircraft start arriving for Riyadh Air, the airline hopes to operate up to 100 destinations by the end of the decade, including London Heathrow, which the airline is already operating.
The Next Chapter For Riyadh Air Takes Flight
Riyadh Air is expected to bring in a new era of flying to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, with its first Boeing 787-9 completing its first test flights from Charleston Air Force Base-International Airport (CHS) in South Carolina this week. The aircraft undertook a comprehensive test flight as part of its overall certification.
The plane will continue to be put through its paces with several test flights to ensure its airworthiness before being officially transferred to the Saudi airline. This is a pivotal step for the relatively new airline, which is set to revolutionize how people travel to and from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East. An excerpt from the airline’s press release below:
This milestone represents a pivotal step in Riyadh Air’s journey to receive its fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and reflects the company’s steady progress toward operational readiness.
A New Airline For Saudi Arabia
Riyadh Air was first launched in 2023, as part of the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The airline is forecasted to add $20 billion of non-oil GDP growth for the country and will create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. The airline will be the second flag carrier for the country after Saudia, with Riyadh Air planned to assume the majority of domestic and international flights to and from King Khalid International Airport (RUH).
The airline took its first commercial flight in the first quarter of 2025 and has already signed agreements with a number of SkyTeam and Star Alliance members, including 
Delta Air Lines, China Eastern, Saudia, Virgin Atlantic, 
Turkish Airlines, Air China, and Egypt Air (please note that this list is not exhaustive).
Currently, the airline has just one aircraft in operation, which is leased from Oman Air as a training and technical spare. This Boeing 787-9 will eventually be returned once the airline receives its 182 airplanes on order, made up of Airbus A321neo, Airbus A350-1000, and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Fleet Growth: Riyadh Air Signs First Boeing 787 Lease Ahead Of Hard Launch
The carrier is continuing to grow.
Over 100 Destinations Planned
The carrier plans to reach more than 100 destinations by the end of the decade, so far just two destinations have been annouced which include 
Dubai International Airport (DXB) and London Heathrow (LHR). To begin, the Oman Air-leased 787 will operate these services. Earlier this year, the airline also announced its distribution of NDC content with Amadeus, to allow personalised offers through third-party platforms, and enable travel agents around the world to freely book the airline through their respective booking systems.
Riyahd Air plans to offer state-of-the-art features onboard, with a bid to become the best airline for cabin interiors and experiences. A next-generation IFE system with enhanced connectivity is expected to wow passengers from the moment they step on board.
The airline will be driven by its purpose, which is reliant on three key components: premium travel experiences, building an inclusive community, and operating responsibly with leading environmental and governance practices. Riyadh Air plans to be digitally native, ensuring effortless digital touchpoints throughout the journey, while also offering meticulous service with authentic Saudi hospitality.
source
