Key facts
- Saudi Arabia has launched its second national carrier, Riyadh Air.
- The airline's launch was delayed by over a year due to setbacks from Boeing.
- Riyadh Air is intended to transform Riyadh into a global aviation hub.
- The launch aims to reduce Saudi Arabia's economic reliance on oil.
Saudi Arabia has officially launched its second national carrier, Riyadh Air, marking a significant step in the Kingdom's ambition to diversify its economy away from oil. The airline's inaugural flight, a London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departed early Wednesday morning, over a year after its initial planned launch. The launch faced considerable delays, primarily attributed to manufacturing and safety issues experienced by aircraft manufacturer Boeing. Furthermore, the airline's debut occurs amidst a backdrop of regional instability and economic uncertainty, fueled by ongoing conflicts and tensions involving Iran and the United States. Riyadh Air is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, designed to transform the capital city into a major global aviation hub and compete with established regional players like Dubai. The airline is state-owned, with Jeddah-based Saudia being the country's other national carrier.