Riyadh Air has announced the launch of its highly anticipated, first regularly scheduled passenger service to London, which will start later this month. The airline also announced the opening for registrations to its new frequent flier program.
Riyadh Air has announced the launch of its highly anticipated, first regularly scheduled passenger service to London, which will start later this month. The airline also announced the opening for registrations to its new frequent flier program.
From October 26, Riyadh Air will start daily flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow. Using the airline's designated Boeing 787-9 technical spare aircraft “Jamila,” and a recently awarded flight slot at Heathrow, the outbound flight will depart Riyadh as RX401 at 0315H before arriving at Heathrow at 0730H. The return flight departs as RX402 at 0930H and arrives back at Riyadh at 1915H.
The airline stated its first flights will be initially on sale to select groups and Riyadh Air employees.
“This isn't just a launch; it's a tangible realization of a vision to connect Saudi Arabia to the world, a core pillar of Saudi Vision 2030,"stated Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air."Our commitment to begin operations in 2025 is being fulfilled. This rigorous flight program on Jamila allows us to fine-tune every detail, ensuring a seamless, reliable, and world-class experience. This carefully sequenced approach is our pathway to perfect, and we are now incredibly close to full operations with further destinations to be announced in the coming weeks as our new aircraft are delivered."
According to Riyadh Air, the airline's expects to launch flights to Dubai “soon after,” before more new routes to be announced in the coming weeks for winter 2025 and summer 2026. The airline stated it will conduct a “thorough assessment program with its first flights saying: “Through a thorough assessment program of these initial launch flights on Jamila, the airline is building operational strength for a smooth, reliable, and world-class premium travel experience, reflecting Saudi Arabia's dedication to the highest standards of quality.”
Sfeer Registration Open
In addition to the announcement of its inaugural flights, Riyadh Air announced the opening of registration for its frequent flier program - Sfeer (translated to Ambassador in Arabic).
According to Riyadh Air, early registrants will be welcomed into an exclusive group - “The Founders” - who will receive priority access to bookings on future flights along with other benefits that will be announced later.
"With Sfeer, we're creating much more than just a loyalty program; we're building a dynamic, digitally immersive lifestyle ecosystem," said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. "Our vision is to truly change the game, offering unparalleled benefits and fostering a unique sense of community among our members."
The airline also stated Sfeer will also allow members to share points, benefits, and qualifying spend with family and friends. Once fully activated in 2026, Riyadh Air stated the program will feature “enging gamified experiences” which will include challenges and leaderboards to encourage engagement and participation. Sfeer will also offer a “no points expiry” policy.
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