Riyadh Air Receives Air Operator Certificate
The new Saudi airline, Riyadh Air, has officially been granted the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), a key step toward launching commercial operations scheduled for 2025.
This certification marks the airline’s full compliance with safety standards, international regulations, and technical requirements set by the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.
A Rigorous Process with International Standards
The issuance of the AOC is not merely an administrative formality. It involved a comprehensive audit conducted by GACA, which evaluated everything from technical systems and aircraft to operational readiness, equipment, and the qualifications of flight and ground personnel.
Over 11 months, a specialized team of 10 Saudi inspectors and technical experts supervised more than 200 hours of test flights, along with on-site inspections and detailed reviews of operational documentation.
A Milestone in Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Strategy
The certificate was presented during an official ceremony attended by His Excellency Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of GACA’s Board, and His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA, who emphasized the significance of this achievement within Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Strategy.
“The granting of the Air Operator Certificate to Riyadh Air is a major milestone in the development of the Kingdom’s aviation sector,” stated the President of GACA.
With this authorization, Riyadh Air emerges as a new player set to strengthen competition, expand options for travelers, and enhance domestic and international connectivity.
Economic Impact and Global Ambitions
Riyadh Air aims not only to compete but to become a benchmark. The airline plans to serve over 100 destinations by 2030, supported by a projected fleet of 132 aircraft. Its operations are expected to contribute approximately $19.9 billion to the Kingdom’s non-oil GDP and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
This achievement follows the economic license granted in June 2023, further solidifying the company’s legal and operational framework.
Riyadh Air’s CEO, Tony Douglas, highlighted the importance of this milestone: “Obtaining the Air Operator Certificate is the result of the collective effort of all Riyadh Air employees. Today, we can proudly say we are ready to transport our passengers and begin operations in 2025.”
Douglas emphasized that this milestone is more than a permit—it is a tangible reflection of the technical and human commitment that defines the company.
Context: The Boom of Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Sector
This announcement comes during an unprecedented boom in Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry. In 2024, passenger traffic grew by 15%, surpassing 128 million, a 25% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. Flight operations rose by 11%, exceeding 905,000, while air connectivity expanded by 16%, linking the Kingdom to over 170 global destinations. Additionally, the air cargo sector showed remarkable performance, with a 34% growth, reaching 1.2 million tons.
With the AOC in hand, Riyadh Air is not just another new airline—it is a key piece in the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s aviation ecosystem, a bold move to position the Kingdom as a global hub for 21st-century civil aviation.
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