Formidable airline startup Riyadh Air is meant to launch flights earlier than the tip of 2025. The service’s launch timeline had been delayed, as a result of Boeing 787 supply delays (which all airways are coping with), presumably mixed with some delays with putting in the service’s customized interiors, given all the provision chain constraints.
Alongside these strains, we’re beginning to get extra of a way of when Riyadh Air will launch flights, because it could possibly be lower than three months away…
Riyadh Air secures Riyadh to London slots for winter
Riyadh Air has secured a day by day slot pair at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) as of October 26, 2025, which the airline will use for Riyadh (RUH) flights.
The airline acquired these slots via the British Midland treatment course of (British Airways father or mother firm IAG acquired British Midland again in 2012, and as a aggressive measure, British Airways has to surrender choose slots).
The truth that Riyadh Air picked up these slots has been disclosed by Airport Coordination Restricted, which oversees slots on the UK’s busiest airport. The expectation is that Riyadh Air will function flight RX401 to London as an early morning flight, arriving round 7:30AM, whereas Riyadh Air will function flight RX402 to Riyadh as a daytime flight, departing round 9:30AM.
These slots are awarded on a seasonal foundation, and include an 80/20 rule, that means that if airways don’t use 80% of their slots, they’ll forfeit them. I can’t think about that Riyadh Air would wish to forfeit these slots, given how worthwhile they’re, and in addition, it wouldn’t be good for the service’s future prospects at Heathrow.
However how would Riyadh Air fly to Heathrow if it doesn’t but have any of its new Dreamliners? Effectively…
Riyadh Air will probably use ex-Oman Air 288-seat 787
Riyadh Air really already does have a single Boeing 787-9, with the license plate HZ-RXX. That is an eight 12 months previous airplane that beforehand flew for Oman Air, earlier than being acquired by Riyadh Air in January 2025.
Riyadh Air by no means supposed to make use of this airplane for frequently scheduled service. As an alternative, it was acquired in order that the airline might get its air operator certificates, for crew coaching functions, and for air exhibits. It was additionally supposed as a possible spare plane, in case it’s wanted, as soon as the airline acquires its personal plane.
Nevertheless, it appears probably at this level that Riyadh Air will use this plane to launch operations. We all know this as a result of Riyadh Air disclosed in a submitting that it’s going to use a 288-seat Boeing 787-9, which can be precisely what number of seats you’ll discover on this ex-Oman Air plane.
The airplane has 30 enterprise class seats and 258 economic system class seats. Enterprise class consists of Apex Suites, in a 2-2-2 configuration. I’ve reviewed Oman Air’s enterprise class earlier than, and it’s nice.
Whereas I’m a fan of the product, it’s not precisely the splashy debut that Riyadh Air was eager to make. Then once more, I can perceive why the management on the airline simply needs to tear the band-aid off and begin service, even when it’s with out the supposed airplane.
So we’ll see how this all performs out, however this appears to be the route issues are headed.
Backside line
Riyadh Air has secured a fascinating day by day slot pair for London Heathrow Airport for this winter, with that season kicking in as of late October 2025. With Riyadh Air nonetheless not having taken supply of its first new Dreamliner, I think about which means that the airline plans to make use of its ex-Oman Air Boeing 787-9 for this route.
That’s additionally supported by the truth that the submitting states that the airplane used for the route could have 288 seats, which can be the variety of seats you’ll discover on the ex-Oman Air plane.
What do you make of Riyadh Air probably launching London flights quickly?
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