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Reuters • David Shepardson

Riyadh Air secures US DOT approval to launch scheduled flights; targets 22 destinations by March 2027

Riyadh Air has received US Department of Transportation approval to operate scheduled passenger flights to and from the United States, clearing a major gating item for the airline’s international buildout. The carrier says it plans service to 22 destinations by March 2027, alongside expanded Europe and Middle East connectivity using 787-9 operations.

2026-06-16T10:26:00.501744-07:00

Runway Girl

Saudia puts first A321XLR into service with a premium, low-density cabin

2026-06-18T11:08:08.639114-07:00

Skift

Riyadh Air launches full-service Riyadh–London Heathrow on 1 July with its first 787-9 from its own order

2026-05-19T02:55:01.973662-07:00

Aviation Source

Boeing delivers Riyadh Air’s first 787-9 Dreamliners; airline eyes daily Riyadh–London Heathrow from 1 July 2026

2026-06-07T10:01:17.995692-07:00

News Timeline

Runway Girl

Saudia puts first A321XLR into service with a premium, low-density cabin Saudia has taken delivery of the first of 15 Airbus A321XLRs and moved the aircraft into revenue service. The early deployment highlights a premium, low-density cabin approach as the carrier ramps its long-range single-aisle product.

2026-06-18T11:08:08.639114-07:00

Saudia puts first A321XLR into service with a premium, low-density cabin

Reuters

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Riyadh Air secures US DOT approval to launch scheduled flights; targets 22 destinations by March 2027 Riyadh Air has received US Department of Transportation approval to operate scheduled passenger flights to and from the United States, clearing a major gating item for the airline’s international buildout. The carrier says it plans service to 22 destinations by March 2027, alongside expanded Europe and Middle East connectivity using 787-9 operations.

2026-06-16T10:26:00.501744-07:00

Riyadh Air secures US DOT approval to launch scheduled flights; targets 22 destinations by March 2027

Aviation Source

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Boeing delivers Riyadh Air’s first 787-9 Dreamliners; airline eyes daily Riyadh–London Heathrow from 1 July 2026 Boeing delivered Riyadh Air’s first two Boeing 787-9 passenger aircraft, which arrived in Riyadh on 5 June 2026. Riyadh Air said it has up to 70 additional 787s on order and plans to begin daily Riyadh–London Heathrow operations using 787 equipment from 1 July 2026.

2026-06-07T10:01:17.995692-07:00

Boeing delivers Riyadh Air’s first 787-9 Dreamliners; airline eyes daily Riyadh–London Heathrow from 1 July 2026

futuretravelexperience.com

Saudia goes live with Panasonic Avionics Astrova IFE on Airbus A321XLR, first Saudi deployment of Astrova modular interactive pl Panasonic Avionics says Astrova has entered commercial service on Saudia’s Airbus A321XLR, following the system’s debut with the carrier. The rollout includes the first deployment in Saudi Arabia of the Astrova Modular Interactive platform and Arc 3D moving map, with 15 A321XLR to be equipped.

2026-06-03T01:02:26.745519-07:00

Saudia goes live with Panasonic Avionics Astrova IFE on Airbus A321XLR, first Saudi deployment of Astrova modular interactive pl

eVTOL Insights

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Boeing Saudi Arabia, GACA kick off AAM airspace and operations feasibility analysis with SkyGrid and KAUST Boeing Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) have moved from MoU to action, with SkyGrid launching an AAM Airspace and Operational Feasibility Analysis. The effort is framed to support advanced air mobility operational planning alongside KAUST.

2026-06-01T01:42:03.668038-07:00

Boeing Saudi Arabia, GACA kick off AAM airspace and operations feasibility analysis with SkyGrid and KAUST

AeroTime

flyadeal launches RUH–HYD service from 1 July 2026, marking its first scheduled India entry Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal will begin its inaugural scheduled services to India with a new route between Riyadh King Khalid (RUH) and Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi (HYD) starting 1 July 2026. The launch signals flyadeal’s shift from regional footprint-building to targeting India–Gulf point-to-point demand.

2026-05-27T03:11:49.351531-07:00

flyadeal launches RUH–HYD service from 1 July 2026, marking its first scheduled India entry

Air Data News

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Saudia takes first Airbus A321XLR for June entry on Saudi–Europe/Africa long-range narrowbody routes Saudia has received its first Airbus A321XLR, positioning the carrier as an early operator of Airbus’s new long-range narrowbody. The aircraft will enter service in June on routes connecting Saudi Arabia with Europe and Africa, with a newly configured premium cabin layout.

2026-05-24T10:05:09.376457-07:00

Saudia takes first Airbus A321XLR for June entry on Saudi–Europe/Africa long-range narrowbody routes

Vertical Mag

MD Helicopters locks in multi-year support for Saudi National Guard’s MD 530F training fleet MD Helicopters has renewed its OEM support commitment for the Saudi Arabia Ministry of National Guard’s MD 530F training helicopters under a multi-year contract. The agreement extends long-term support for the service’s rotary training capability centered on the MD 530F fleet.

2026-05-22T05:54:06.785908-07:00

MD Helicopters locks in multi-year support for Saudi National Guard’s MD 530F training fleet

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Saudi Arabia News

Riyadh Air secures US DOT approval to launch scheduled flights; targets 22 destinations by March 2027

Saudia puts first A321XLR into service with a premium, low-density cabin

Riyadh Air launches full-service Riyadh–London Heathrow on 1 July with its first 787-9 from its own order

Boeing delivers Riyadh Air’s first 787-9 Dreamliners; airline eyes daily Riyadh–London Heathrow from 1 July 2026

News Timeline