Exciting news in the aviation industry as Pilotcenter.net News reports that Riyadh Air, a new full-service airline based in Jeddah, has officially received its Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from Saudi Arabia’s aviation authorities. This development paves the way for the carrier to kick off regular scheduled passenger flights later this year. The issuance of the AOC signifies Riyadh Air’s compliance with the country’s aviation regulations, international standards, and flight safety requirements outlined in the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) conducted a thorough audit of Riyadh Air’s technical and aircraft systems, operational readiness, equipment, as well as the qualifications of its flight and ground personnel. In a statement, GACA highlighted the significance of this milestone, emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing a top-notch aviation sector in line with the Saudi Aviation Strategy.

The official certification ceremony, attended by dignitaries including His Excellency Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics, and Chairman of the GACA Board, marked a pivotal moment for Riyadh Air. The AOC issuance, according to His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA, is a crucial step in advancing the Saudi Aviation Strategy and will result in increased competition, enhanced traveler options, and improved connectivity both domestically and globally.

Over the course of 11 months, Riyadh Air underwent a comprehensive licensing process overseen by a dedicated team of Saudi aviation safety inspectors and technical experts from GACA. The team conducted extensive test flights to ensure that Riyadh Air met the highest operational standards. Riyadh Air CEO, Tony Douglas, expressed his pride in the achievement, recognizing the collective efforts of the airline’s employees in obtaining the crucial certification.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, Riyadh Air aims to bolster connections within the Kingdom, with aspirations to serve over 100 destinations by 2030. The airline has placed orders for a substantial fleet of aircraft, including Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft. These strategic moves align with Riyadh Air’s ambition to operate a fleet of more than 200 aircraft in the near future.

The launch of Riyadh Air is projected to generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs while contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP. This operational license follows the earlier awarding of an Economic License to Riyadh Air in 2023. The airline’s certification comes amid a period of tremendous growth in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector, with record-breaking passenger numbers and increased air connectivity showcasing a promising trajectory for the industry.