Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas has confirmed the airline will soon receive three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with a fourth aircraft currently undergoing painting at Charleston.
“We’ve not just gone aircraft finished in Charleston, South Carolina with Boeing – not two, three, but the fourth one is in the paint shop now as well,” said Douglas during a panel at the PIF Private Sector Forum.
On December 23, 2025, the PIF-owned startup airline said it had completed its initial flight test for its first 787-9 Dreamliner. The aircraft had taken off from Boeing’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina, and the flight was operated by Boeing’s test pilots as part of the certification process.
The airline received its technical spare 787-9 aircraft ‘Jamila’ last year, which was previously operated by Oman Air. Riyadh Air used the aircraft to perform inaugural flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow. These flights are only available to select passengers, with full commercial operations to commence this year.
“Those aircraft will be with us very soon, and we will be connecting people to our incredible culture here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Douglas.
In an Aviation Club Luncheon in November 2024, Douglas said it was important for the airline to receive three aircraft before it could launch full operations.
“We cannot operate until we take our first three aircraft,” said Douglas at the time. “With the third aircraft, we're up and running, and in the game.”
With these aircraft deliveries imminent, the airline will be ready to launch full commercial flights – following postponement as a result of Boeing delivery delays.
As part of its launch strategy, the airline has sought out partnerships with various players to support its commencement – from airlines to technology companies.
During today’s panel, Douglas said these partnerships have been instrumental in the airline’s launch and that it was “open to business” for further partnerships.
Last week, the airline announced a partnership with Mastercard. Both will develop consumer products such as Riyadh Air-branded credit and prepaid cards and an airline-branded virtual card programme that will support travel agents and other B2B transactions.
The airline said the partnership will also include a co-developed centre of excellence to design, test and scale new solutions.
Riyadh Air has up to 182 aircraft on order. This includes 39 firm and 33 options for the Dreamliner, as well as up to 60 Airbus A321neos and up to 50 Airbus A350-1000s.
The fleet will support its ambitions to fly to over 100 destinations by 2030 on new technology aircraft.
Also today, Riyadh Air launched the second phase of its employment-first overseas scholarship programme, which offers an integrated Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle's Prescott campus. The four-year programme includes 250 hours of flight training, leading to a cadet pilot position.