Saudi Arabia’s new airline, Riyadh Air, received its Air Operator Certificate in April 2025. This marks a critical step in its efforts to begin commercial operations. The AOC confirms that the airline meets all required regulatory and safety standards to operate flights.
Originally aiming for a mid-2025 launch, Riyadh Air now plans to start flying later in the year. The delay has nothing to do with local readiness—it comes down to Boeing not delivering aircraft on time.
More: Riyadh Air Expands Fleet with 50-Plane Order
What the Certification Actually Means
An Air Operator Certificate allows an airline to fly passengers commercially. To get it, Riyadh Air had to prove it could manage flight operations safely and reliably. That included over 200 hours of testing and trial flights, including a high-profile non-commercial journey from Riyadh to Jeddah.
For an airline with no active fleet yet, securing this certificate was a big achievement. It signals real progress, even if the planes themselves are still missing.
The Boeing Problem
Boeing was expected to deliver eight 787 Dreamliners this year. That number is now down to four—and even those are delayed. Riyadh Air doesn’t expect to receive the first one before the third quarter.
This has pushed the airline’s launch window from summer to late 2025. And while the Riyadh Air AOC is locked in, flights can’t start without planes.
Boeing is still dealing with supply chain issues and tougher oversight from regulators. A major 737 MAX incident in early 2024 triggered more inspections and slower production, affecting airlines worldwide.
How the Airline Is Moving Forward
Riyadh Air hasn’t stood still. To keep things going, the airline leased a Boeing 787-9 from Oman Air. This aircraft, called “Jamila,” arrived in Riyadh in January and has been used for pilot training and technical checks.
In late 2024, Riyadh Air also placed an order for 60 Airbus A321neo jets. Those planes won’t arrive until 2026, but they reflect the airline’s long-term strategy to serve both short and long-haul routes.
Riyadh Air is more than just a new airline. It’s a big part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The plan is to open up the country to tourism, reduce reliance on oil, and expand its global influence. Aviation is key to that.
With goals to connect Riyadh to over 100 cities, create 200,000 jobs, and add billions to the economy, the airline is expected to become a major player. But delays in aircraft deliveries could slow that momentum.
Looking Ahead
Even though Riyadh Air AOC approval is a win, the airline’s path is still uncertain. Boeing’s issues don’t seem to be going away soon. They’ve already delayed deliveries for other customers and postponed entire aircraft programs like the 777X.
Riyadh Air is in a tougher spot than established carriers. It doesn’t have older aircraft in reserve. It’s starting from zero, and every delay hits harder.
The Riyadh Air AOC is in place, and the airline is officially cleared to fly. But without planes, it remains grounded. Boeing’s ability to fix its production delays will decide whether Riyadh Air makes its late 2025 target—or gets pushed even further.
