The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has officially issued an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Riyadh Air, clearing the way for the new national carrier to begin commercial operations. This decision marks the final preparation phase before the airline’s launch, scheduled for late 2025.
The AOC confirms that Riyadh Air fully complies with all Saudi aviation regulations, international standards, and strict safety requirements established by the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. The certification process included comprehensive checks of technical systems, operational readiness, staff qualifications, and fleet testing.
At the official certificate handover ceremony, attended by high-ranking officials, including Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser, it was emphasized that this decision represents a crucial step in achieving the goals of the Saudi Aviation Strategy. “Riyadh Air will strengthen our aviation market, offer passengers greater choice, and enhance connectivity both domestically and globally,” Al-Jasser stated.
According to announcements, Riyadh Air plans to fly to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, with a fleet of 132 state-of-the-art passenger aircraft. The airline is expected to generate over 200,000 jobs and contribute nearly $20 billion annually to the Saudi economy.
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, highlighted that obtaining the AOC is the result of the team’s hard work. “Today, we can proudly say we are ready to begin operations and deliver excellent service to our passengers,” Douglas added.
The certification process lasted 11 months and involved multiple phases, from initial consultations to extensive test flights. A team of 10 GACA inspectors conducted more than 200 hours of test flights to ensure full compliance with all safety standards.
This news comes during a period of record growth for Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. In 2024, passenger numbers increased by 15%, exceeding 128 million, while air cargo traffic saw an impressive 34% growth. The Kingdom now has air connections to more than 170 global destinations, clear evidence of the successful implementation of the Saudi Aviation Strategy and “Vision 2030”.
