Riyadh Air Receives First Boeing 787 Dreamliner but Won’t Carry Passengers

Riyadh Air is gearing up for a significant milestone as it prepares to welcome its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to its home base at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

However, this isn’t a typical passenger aircraft. Unlike the eagerly awaited fleet of 72 Dreamliners the airline has on order, this leased plane will play a unique and essential role in the early operations of the Kingdom’s newest airline.

Painted in Riyadh Air’s striking pearl livery, the aircraft is set to serve as a technical spare and a training tool as the airline moves closer to its official launch.

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While it boasts a high-specification interior that reflects the airline’s modern and world-class standards, this particular aircraft will not feature Riyadh Air’s highly anticipated new cabin interiors, which are slated to be unveiled in early 2025.

Instead, the leased Boeing 787-9 will focus on enabling Riyadh Air to complete the rigorous certification process required by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to secure its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

By using this aircraft for trial operations and crew training, the airline is taking a proactive approach to ensure seamless operations when it officially begins commercial services later in 2025.

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It’s important to note that this leased Dreamliner is entirely separate from Riyadh Air’s original order of 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The decision to lease this plane highlights Riyadh Air’s innovative and forward-thinking strategy to expedite preparations and establish a strong operational foundation.

Riyadh Air has set its sights on redefining luxury and comfort in the skies, with its fleet’s cabin interiors promising cutting-edge designs and premium amenities to meet the highest expectations of its guests.

While the leased aircraft will not feature these new cabin designs, it stands as a testament to the airline’s commitment to quality and guest satisfaction even in its preparatory phase.