Riyadh Air Secures Air Operator Certificate from GACA

‍DALLAS — Marking Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in global aviation, Riyadh Air (RX) has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). 

This approval results from the airline after meeting comprehensive regulatory, safety, and operational criteria. It paves the way for the new national carrier to begin operations before its official 2025 launch.

Riyadh Air is owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). It is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to transform the travel experience for Saudi citizens and international visitors and position Riyadh as a primary international gateway. 

By 2030, the airline anticipates operating over 100 international destinations from the Saudi capital, contributing an estimated US$20 billion to the national economy.

For Tony Douglas, CEO of the new airline, this achievement confirms the airline’s ability to take off and soar. Douglas, formerly of Etihad Airways (EY), has a proven track record in networks, efficiencies, and marketing initiatives. His leadership is set to guide RX’s efforts to meet and exceed regional and global standards.

At the certificate handover event, Douglas highlighted the airline’s tech-forward approach, which is embedded in digital automation and a traveler-first philosophy.

“The heart of our work is about improving each aspect of the journey—from booking to boarding — using innovative technology and the principles of design thinking. We are creating an airline designed for you, the modern, mobile-first generation of Saudis, and for the global passengers looking for seamless, smart travel,” Douglas said.

This strategy aligns with national priorities set by the Saudi National Transport and Logistics Strategy, established by Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser. "We are very proud of this achievement," Al-Jasser told state broadcaster Al-Ekhbariya, congratulating RX, the PIF, and the Saudi people for reaching this significant milestone. “We have entered the final stages of preparation, and we expect the first flight of RX to occur before the end of the year,” he stated.

More Than an Airline

However, RX's ambitions extend well beyond operational readiness. The airline is seen as a linchpin in Saudi Arabia’s aggressive efforts to diversify its economy and reduce the kingdom's reliance on oil revenues. Central to this transformation is the aviation sector—one that is being intentionally reformed from a legacy model dominated by national carriers to one in which multiple operators can compete for business.

Indeed, Al-Jasser outlined the government’s strategy, which involves a comprehensive overhaul of aviation infrastructure — a key component of which is the development of the expansive King Salman International Airport. The airport, currently under construction, will feature advanced passenger terminals, multiple runways, private aviation facilities, and a technical services zone to address all aviation needs, cohesively integrated into what is referred to as an aviation "city of the future." 

Riyadh Air is not being developed in isolation. Other regional airports are also undergoing significant upgrades, Al-Jasser stated. The center will feature four new wings to enhance aviation capacity growth in the kingdom, as infrastructure expansion is lagging in the cities of Jazan, Hail, Qassim, Al-Baha, Abha, Taif, and Al-Jouf. These upgrades are part of a broader initiative to improve service quality, protect passenger rights, and provide comprehensive regulatory support to investors.

These systemic reforms are already yielding results. In recent years, Saudi airports' international destinations have increased from just 100 to 172, reflecting the country’s growing openness and global engagement. RX is precisely positioned to navigate this dynamic landscape.

While the exact launch date and initial route network have not yet been formally detailed, various long-haul and medium-haul point-to-point services are anticipated, likely supported by widebody equipment, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which the airline has been actively purchasing in bulk.

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