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Riyadh Air Sets Oct. 26 Start for Daily Riyadh–Heathrow Flights in Phased Launch

The PIF-backed carrier is beginning with a controlled staff-only validation using its 787-9 spare, tying public ticket sales to the arrival of its first Dreamliners.

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A man takes a photo of a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner passenger aircraft, operated by Riyadh Air, at the Dubai Air Show in 2023. Bloomberg

Overview

  • Flights will run under the airline’s “Pathway to Perfect” readiness program using Boeing 787-9 Jamila, designated as the technical spare.
  • Initial tickets are limited to Riyadh Air and Public Investment Fund employees and families via a launch membership, with general sales to follow delivery of the first two 787s.
  • The new Sfeer loyalty program is open for enrollment, giving early “Founders” priority booking and point-sharing features, with no points expiry planned when fully active in 2026.
  • Published timings list RX401 departing Riyadh at 03:15 and arriving in London at 07:30, with RX402 leaving at 09:30 and reaching Riyadh at 19:15 (all local).
  • CEO Tony Douglas says the first 787 delivery is imminent and that Dubai service will follow soon after, with additional winter 2025 and summer 2026 routes to be announced.