Riyadh Air expands Saudi aviation careers with Nawat Programme
Tue, 12 May 2026
Riyadh Air has launched the Nawat Cabin Crew Programme to train Saudi nationals for aviation careers, supporting Vision 2030 and its goal of connecting Saudi Arabia to over 100 destinations by 2030.
PIF to support development of 100,000 hotel rooms, 70 tourism experiences
Thu, 16 Apr 2026
Saudi Public Investment Fund's (PIF) tourism, travel, and entertainment ecosystem aims to capitalise on the growing Saudi tourism industry by developing strategic assets that generate reliable returns, improving air‑connectivity and leveraging world‑class events to attract visitors.
Riyadh Air plans to start daily flights to Cairo
Tue, 24 Feb 2026
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has announced Cairo as a key addition to its growing network, with daily services to begin soon from Riyadh aboard its new state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Riyadh Air opens Hafawa Lounge ahead of commercial launch
Wed, 18 Feb 2026
Riyadh Air has unveiled its first premium airport lounge, the Hafawa Lounge, at King Khalid International Airport, created in partnership with the multidisciplinary design studio Yabu Pushelberg. Spanning nearly 2,000 square meters between Terminals 1 and 2, the lounge accommodates around 370 Business Elite and Business Class guests and marks a milestone ahead of the airline’s commercial launch.
Riyadh Air launches overseas pilot scholarship for Saudi nationals
Wed, 11 Feb 2026
Riyadh Air has launched its First Officer Scholarship Programme with guaranteed employment, creating a new pathway for Saudi nationals to train, qualify, and return home prepared to operate the airline’s Boeing and Airbus fleet as First Officer Pilots.
Riyadh Air, Mastercard partner to elevate travel
Thu, 05 Feb 2026
Riyadh Air and Mastercard have announced a strategic partnership aimed at transforming global travel through the integration of payments, technology, and travel experiences. The collaboration introduces innovations across consumer payments, premium airport experiences, and next-generation B2B travel payments.
Riyadh Air, Neo Space launch high-speed in-flight connectivity on A321s
Tue, 27 Jan 2026
Neo Space Group (NSG), a PIF company and Saudi Arabia’s commercial space services provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, to equip its Airbus A321 fleet with NSG Skywaves - the Group’s advanced in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution.
Riyadh Air launches Riyadh Cargo
Thu, 22 Jan 2026
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has announced the launch of its cargo operations under the brand “Riyadh Cargo”, marking the airline’s entry into the global air cargo market and activation of belly-hold cargo operations across its wide-body fleet.
Riyadh Air launches aviation scholarship programme
Sun, 28 Dec 2025
Riyadh Air’s newly-announced ‘Employment-First’ Overseas Scholarship Programme aims to launch several scholarship tracks, starting with two specialised paths for engineers in Australia, followed by a pilot training programme in the US.
Riyadh Air completes first Boeing 787-9 test flight
Wed, 24 Dec 2025
Riyadh Air achieved a milestone in the delivery process of its first aircraft from Boeing with the completion of the initial test flight (B1 Flight) of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The aircraft departed from Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Charleston, South Carolina, US.
Riyadh Air, Huawei sign MoU to advance digital capabilities
Sun, 21 Dec 2025
Riyadh Air and Huawei have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that brings together the former’s global growth vision and the latter’s technological expertise to elevate how guests discover, book, and experience travel with Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier.
Riyadh Air names Khimji’s Travel & Tourism as Omani partner
Thu, 18 Dec 2025
Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Riyadh Air has officially appointed Khimji’s Travel & Tourism, a key unit of Khimji Ramdas Group, one of the reputed business houses in Oman, as its exclusive distribution and sales partner in the sultanate.
Riyadh Air, IBM partner to launch world's first AI-native airline
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
IBM said it has collaborated with Riyadh Air to set up the world’s first AI-native airline. Designed from the ground up without legacy patchwork, these AI-driven operations provide the foundation to transform guest and employee experiences.
Riyadh Air’s loyalty programme expands Uber partnership
Mon, 01 Dec 2025
Sfeer, the loyalty programme powered by Riyadh Air, has partnered with Uber to offer its Founding Members six months of complimentary Uber One membership. The benefit provides savings, premium ride features, and 10% cashback on eligible trips across Saudi Arabia.
Travelport signs multi-year agreement with Riyadh Air
Wed, 26 Nov 2025
Travelport has signed a multi-year distribution agreement with Riyadh Air. The agreement will enable Riyadh Air to distribute its content, including NDC and traditional fares, through Travelport's wide-reaching marketplace.
Riyadh Air signs key deals at Dubai Airshow 2025
Thu, 20 Nov 2025
At Dubai Airshow 2025, Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, announced a comprehensive suite of technical, training, and travel partnership agreements designed to rapidly scale its operations and enhance the passenger experience.
Riyadh Air selects CFM LEAP engines for 60 new A321neo fleet
Tue, 18 Nov 2025
Riyadh Air on Tuesday announced a firm order for 120 CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power 60 Airbus A321neo family aircraft ordered last year.
Riyadh Air, Hilton partner to boost hospitality
Tue, 18 Nov 2025
Hilton and Riyadh Air have announced a strategic partnership naming Hilton the inaugural hotel partner for Sfeer, the recently launched lifestyle loyalty program powered by Riyadh Air.
The Helicopter Company, Riyadh Air sign MoU for mobility
Tue, 18 Nov 2025
The Helicopter Company (THC), a PIF company and Saudi Arabia’s premier commercial helicopter operator, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of Saudi Arabia and also a PIF entity, at Dubai Airshow.
AviLease, Riyadh Air signs first lease for Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Mon, 27 Oct 2025
AviLease, the global aircraft lessor headquartered in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Air the new national carrier for Saudi Arabia has signed its first aircraft lease.
Riyadh Air launches inaugural flight to London Heathrow Airport
Mon, 27 Oct 2025
Riyadh Air launched its inaugural flight to London Heathrow on October 26, using a Boeing 787-9 named “Jamila.” This flight is part of the “Pathway to Perfect” plan, ensuring operational readiness and efficiency ahead of commercial flights.