Riyadh Air clears for take-off with commercial flight certificate
Saudi Arabia’s new airline aims for 100 destinations and 200,000 new jobs
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape has marked a major breakthrough as Riyadh Air received its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
The certification officially authorises the Kingdom’s new national carrier to commence commercial flight operations. This pivotal milestone comes after an extensive review process, placing Riyadh Air on track to begin transporting passengers by late 2025.
The AOC confirms full compliance with the Kingdom’s aviation regulations and the standards outlined in the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. This approval signifies not only Riyadh Air’s technical readiness but also the fulfilment of all safety and operational benchmarks.
Extensive audit process
The licensing process, which extended over 11 months, encompassed multiple phases – starting from initial consultations and submission of the application to the final approval. GACA’s team of 10 aviation safety inspectors and technical specialists conducted more than 200 hours of test flights. The evaluations included scrutiny of operational procedures, aircraft systems, readiness protocols, and the qualifications of both flight crew and ground staff.
A formal certification ceremony was held in the presence of His Excellency Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the GACA Board, and Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA. The certificate was officially presented to Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. “Today, we can proudly say that Riyadh Air is now an airline with an operational licence to transport our travelling guests,” said Douglas.
This development follows the Economic License issued to Riyadh Air in June 2023, further aligning with the goals of the Saudi Aviation Strategy to expand connectivity, create competition, and enhance value for passengers.
Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air is projected to connect to over 100 destinations by 2030, backed by an order of more than 132 aircraft. The airline is expected to generate upwards of 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute nearly $19.9 billion (approximately Dh73.1 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP.
The certificate arrives at a time when the Kingdom’s aviation sector is experiencing record-breaking growth. Passenger numbers in 2024 surged by 15 percent, surpassing 128 million travellers—roughly 25 percent above pre-pandemic levels. Flight volumes increased by 11 percent, totalling more than 905,000 flights. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity grew by 16 percent, now linking the country to over 170 global destinations. The air cargo sector also expanded significantly, recording a 34 percent jump to 1.2 million tons in total freight volume.
Strategy and vision
The General Authority for Civil Aviation plays a central role in implementing the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which aims to make the Kingdom the leading aviation hub in the Middle East. The Strategy, part of Vision 2030 and the broader National Transport and Logistics Strategy, targets a US$100 billion (Dh367 billion) investment in infrastructure, aircraft, and support services.
Key objectives include tripling annual passenger numbers, establishing two global connecting hubs, expanding cargo capacity, and increasing connectivity to 250 destinations worldwide.