Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier, will take to the skies on October 26 with its maiden flight from Riyadh to London Heathrow, a landmark moment in the Kingdom’s aviation history and a key milestone under Vision 2030. The inaugural flight will operate aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner named Jamila — meaning “beautiful” in Arabic — marking the official debut of the Public Investment Fund-owned airline.
Talking about the London route, Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air said: “This isn’t just a launch; it’s a tangible realization of a vision to connect Saudi Arabia to the world. This rigorous flight programme allows us to fine-tune every detail, ensuring a seamless, reliable and world-class experience.”
Douglas added that the new route will initially operate with select guests and employees before opening to the public once the airline’s next two aircraft are delivered. The second aircraft will serve Dubai, the next confirmed destination, with further routes to be revealed for winter 2025 and summer 2026.
Riyadh Air introduced “Sfeer”, its new loyalty programme designed to redefine passenger engagement. Meaning “Ambassador” in Arabic, Sfeer lets members share points and benefits with friends and family — a first in the aviation industry. “With Sfeer, we’re creating much more than a loyalty programme; we’re building a digitally immersive lifestyle ecosystem,” Douglas said.
Early sign-ups, called Founders, will receive priority booking, event invitations, complimentary Wi-Fi, and global partner perks. Members will also enjoy non-expiring points and future gamified challenges via the Riyadh Air app.
Coinciding with its first flight, Riyadh Air has unveiled its premium airport experience — the “Hafawa Lounge” — at King Khalid International Airport. Spanning 2,000 sqm, the desert-inspired lounge welcomes up to 370 guests, offering private and communal seating, curated dining, and signature Saudi coffee.
To reinforce its seamless travel vision, Riyadh Air announced several strategic partnerships. A collaboration with Saudia Airlines will enable passengers to earn and redeem points across both carriers, ensuring network synergy rather than competition. The airline also teamed up with Uber, integrating door-to-door transport into its travel ecosystem, and with Saudi wellness brand Kayanee, which will supply amenity kits and loungewear for premium cabins.
