CEO confirms first commercial flights expected by end of 2025 as supply chain strains begin to ease
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious new airline, Riyadh Air, has confirmed it will launch commercial operations in the third quarter of 2025, citing ongoing aircraft delivery delays as the key reason for pushing back its initial timeline.
The announcement was made by Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas during a keynote appearance at an FII Institute event held in Miami in February 2025. Douglas had previously indicated that the airline was aiming to commence flights by mid-2025. However, setbacks in aircraft deliveries—particularly from Boeing—have shifted that projection to later in the year.
“Are there big challenges out there? Yes, there definitely are. Is the supply chain stretched and under huge stress? Yes, and yes,” Douglas told the audience, pointing to systemic delays across both Boeing and Airbus manufacturing lines.
Despite the challenges, Douglas struck an optimistic tone, stating he had begun to see “moderate improvement” in global supply chains, which have been heavily impacted by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent labor disruptions, including a seven-week production halt at Boeing due to industrial action.
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth vehicle, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to transform the national economy and turn Riyadh into a global aviation hub.
To support its launch and rapid expansion plans, Riyadh Air has placed substantial aircraft orders. These include 60 Airbus A321neo jets confirmed in October 2024, and up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners ordered in March 2023. The airline is also in ongoing discussions with both manufacturers for additional wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777X, though no new agreements have been finalized.
Douglas noted that one of the main bottlenecks affecting the airline’s preparations lies not directly with Airbus or Boeing, but with the tier-one suppliers that support both manufacturers. “They’re the ones one level down,” he explained, without naming specific vendors.
While the delay presents a temporary setback, Riyadh Air appears to be maintaining momentum behind the scenes as it prepares for a high-profile entry into global aviation. Its branding, route planning, and fleet development are expected to position it as a major player in the Middle East and beyond, with a premium product designed to rival established Gulf carriers.
