Riyadh Air Receives Third Boeing 787 As London Launch Is Brought Forward; New Destinations Unveiled

Riyadh Air has taken another tangible step toward full commercial operations with the arrival of its third factory‑built Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner, registered HZ‑RXAC, on June 6, 2026, into Jeddah. The carrier has also moved up the public launch of its flagship London Heathrow service to June 10, 2026 (previously scheduled for July 1), opened bookings for the route and confirmed early network plans that include Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester as part of an initial expansion ahead of a longer‑term target of more than 100 destinations by 2030.

"Best Offer Guarantee," the airline has said, as part of measures to encourage direct bookings through its channels and the Sfeer loyalty programme.

Fleet and product

The third 787‑9 joins two other custom‑built Dreamliners delivered earlier in June and marks early progress toward a planned long‑haul fleet that Riyadh Air says could grow to as many as 72 Boeing 787s. The aircraft arrived from Boeing’s Everett production site and will help the startup transition from certification and proving flights into scheduled passenger service.

Riyadh Air is positioning the Dreamliner as the backbone of its long‑haul strategy and will deploy the type on the London route. The carrier has laid out a four‑cabin configuration on the 787‑9: Business Elite, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy. Business Elite features sliding privacy doors, 32‑inch 4K entertainment screens, fully flat beds and select centre suites that can convert into double beds. Business Class offers direct aisle access and fully flat seating, while Premium Economy is presented as a substantive upgrade with wider seats and enhanced dining.

Onboard technology and amenities include Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in‑flight entertainment system offering more than 500 movies, 600 TV series and 1,000 audio albums and playlists, plus 'mobile‑first' connectivity, wireless Bluetooth listening and USB‑C charging. Riyadh Air will supply Saudi‑made Kayanee in‑flight products, bespoke Disney amenity kits for children, John Horsfall bedding and a branded wellness programme. Complimentary Wi‑Fi will be available for Sfeer members.

Network and early schedule

London Heathrow has been framed as Riyadh Air’s first major international destination and a strategic corridor between two G20 capitals. The carrier had already been operating non‑public flights to London Terminal 4 since late 2025 for employees of the airline and its owner, the Public Investment Fund.

• June 10, 2026: London Heathrow commercial launch (public bookings open; Business Class on the inaugural flight is blocked or sold out; Economy and Premium Economy still available)
• June 14, 2026 onwards: 2x daily Riyadh–Jeddah
• June 18, 2026 onwards: 1x daily Riyadh–Dubai
• June 25, 2026 onwards: 1x daily Riyadh–Cairo
• July 17, 2026 onwards: 3x weekly Riyadh–Madrid
• August 23, 2026 onwards: 3x weekly Riyadh–Manchester

Outlook

Riyadh Air’s immediate focus is to demonstrate a premium full‑service product capable of competing with established international carriers. CEO Tony Douglas has emphasised the aim of delivering a consistent premium experience across every cabin, rather than concentrating upgrades only at the front. Beyond the 787 programme, the airline has also committed to 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft for regional routes, forming part of a fleet pipeline intended to support the carrier’s ambition to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030 and bolster Riyadh’s global connectivity.