Riyadh Air’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has returned to Saudi Arabia, escorted over Riyadh by the Saudi Hawks, in a symbolic milestone for the new carrier’s 2025-2026 “Year of Takeoff” phase. The aircraft completed its initial B1 test flight on 23 December 2025 from Boeing’s Charleston plant, marking the start of the delivery and certification sequence for the airline’s long-haul fleet.
Riyadh Air received its first 787-9 on 15 January 2025 and has been building a fleet strategy centered on the type for intercontinental service, alongside the Airbus A321neo for medium-haul operations. The carrier has 39 firm 787-9 orders and 33 options, forming the backbone of its planned network expansion from Riyadh. The Saudi Hawks’ participation adds a state aviation display element to a fleet-development milestone that links commercial launch preparation with broader Saudi aviation modernisation.