Thu Sep 12 13:52:00 UTC 2024: ## Riyadh Air Takes to the Skies for Test Flights
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Saudi Arabia’s newest airline, Riyadh Air, has commenced test flights as part of the process to obtain its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). The inaugural test flight departed Riyadh on Thursday, September 12, heading to Jeddah.
Riyadh Air is utilizing a leased Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Saudia Airlines for these initial flights. The airline plans to conduct a series of test flights to both domestic and international destinations in the coming months. These flights are crucial to demonstrate operational readiness and safety before the airline launches commercial services in 2025.
“Tomorrow is a historic day for Riyadh Air as we start noncommercial flights from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capital city, Riyadh, as part of our AOC (Air Operator Certificate) process required by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA),” the airline stated on social media.
Riyadh Air expressed gratitude to its key partners including GACA, Saudia Airlines, Riyadh Airports Company, Saudi Technic, and Alsalam Aerospace Industries Company for their vital contributions to the airline’s preparation.
The successful completion of these test flights marks a significant milestone for Riyadh Air as it progresses towards its commercial launch in 2025.
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