Riyadh Air cleared for takeoff, set to create 200,000 jobs by 2030, BA

Riyadh Air has officially received authorization to commence scheduled flights to and from airports across Saudi Arabia. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, after the airline fulfilled all regulatory and operational requirements.

The launch of Riyadh Air’s operations is anticipated to have a significant impact on the workforce. The airline aims to generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030, spanning aviation, logistics, tourism, and related industries. It also intends to operate flights to more than 100 international destinations and has placed orders for over 132 aircraft to support its expansion.

This development is in line with Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom as a regional transport and logistics center while contributing to economic diversification beyond oil. Riyadh Air’s growth is forecasted to contribute approximately SAR75 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP by 2030.

GACA has stated that the AOC demonstrates its commitment to upholding safety, security, and operational quality standards. The authority has highlighted that Riyadh Air’s entry will bolster workforce development, enhance international connectivity, and help achieve broader objectives under Saudi Vision 2030.

This move is also expected to attract investments and enhance the capabilities of the country’s aviation sector in the years to come.