Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air has launched its inaugural flight RX401 from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to London Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom, on the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in its modern fleet, marking the start of operations with the new aircraft in the airline's network.
The flight arrived at London Heathrow at 07:30 local time, after departing Riyadh on the route that will see regular daily flights between the Saudi and British capitals, according to a post on the Saudi Press Agency website.
The flight follows the arrival of Riyadh Air's first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in Riyadh on 5 June and the third aircraft on 7 June, with deliveries continuing in the coming period to support the airline's operating plans.
Riyadh Air aims to connect the Kingdom with more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, as part of its plans to build an international network from the Saudi capital.
Since last October, Riyadh Air had been operating daily flights to London using a back-up aircraft named "Jameela", under its "Path to Launch" operating program, which aims to test operational readiness and measure all passenger touchpoints before starting commercial operations with the new aircraft.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said the flight confirms the airline's readiness to move to a more advanced phase of its commercial operations, adding that bringing the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner into service ahead of the planned date of 1 July reflects the ability of the airline's teams and partners to accelerate growth while maintaining the quality of the experience.
Daily flight RX401 departs Riyadh at 02:35 and arrives in London at 07:30, while return flight RX402 departs London at 09:35 and arrives in Riyadh at 18:05, local time in each city.
The new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offers cabins and fittings based on modern technologies, inflight entertainment systems and hospitality services, as part of the travel experience Riyadh Air plans to offer on its international flights.
Tickets for the daily London flights can be booked through the Riyadh Air app, its official website or approved travel service providers, with the option to join the Sfeer loyalty program as founding members.
To view the post on the Saudi Press Agency website, click here.
