Riyadh Air’s First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Completes Initial Test Flight, Advancing Saudi Carrier’s Launch
Completion of the first Boeing 787-9 test flight marks a key milestone in fleet certification and expansion ahead of Riyadh Air’s commercial rollout
Riyadh Air has reached a significant milestone in its fleet development with the successful completion of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner test flight, undertaken from Boeing’s assembly facility in Charleston, South Carolina, and operated by Boeing test pilots as part of the aircraft’s manufacturer-led certification programme.
This initial “B1 Flight” marks the commencement of a comprehensive series of test flights that will verify the aircraft’s performance and systems under standard procedures before transitioning to further flight tests conducted by Riyadh Air’s own pilots once the requisite certifications are issued.
The achievement underscores Riyadh Air’s progress toward operational readiness as the Saudi national carrier prepares to introduce its new fleet and expand its international services, reinforcing the Kingdom’s growing role in global aviation.
Riyadh Air, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and aligned with the country’s broader Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, has placed substantial aircraft orders, including dozens of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners that will form the backbone of its long-haul network.
The first new-build installment of the advanced widebody aircraft is nearing completion at Boeing’s Charleston facility, where it will undergo certification tests before delivery and integration into the airline’s operations.
Following aircraft delivery and final crew training phases, Riyadh Air is positioned to launch its commercial operations, connecting Riyadh with a wide range of international destinations and strengthening the Kingdom’s aviation sector.
The carrier’s progress on aircraft testing and fleet development demonstrates continued momentum toward its goal of establishing a modern, globally competitive airline with a state-of-the-art fleet enabling enhanced connectivity and passenger experience across continents.
This initial “B1 Flight” marks the commencement of a comprehensive series of test flights that will verify the aircraft’s performance and systems under standard procedures before transitioning to further flight tests conducted by Riyadh Air’s own pilots once the requisite certifications are issued.
The achievement underscores Riyadh Air’s progress toward operational readiness as the Saudi national carrier prepares to introduce its new fleet and expand its international services, reinforcing the Kingdom’s growing role in global aviation.
Riyadh Air, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and aligned with the country’s broader Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, has placed substantial aircraft orders, including dozens of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners that will form the backbone of its long-haul network.
The first new-build installment of the advanced widebody aircraft is nearing completion at Boeing’s Charleston facility, where it will undergo certification tests before delivery and integration into the airline’s operations.
Following aircraft delivery and final crew training phases, Riyadh Air is positioned to launch its commercial operations, connecting Riyadh with a wide range of international destinations and strengthening the Kingdom’s aviation sector.
The carrier’s progress on aircraft testing and fleet development demonstrates continued momentum toward its goal of establishing a modern, globally competitive airline with a state-of-the-art fleet enabling enhanced connectivity and passenger experience across continents.
