By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON, June 16 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's new airline Riyadh Air won the right to operate flights to and from the United States, the U.S. Transportation Department said in an order Tuesday.
The airline launched its first London flight on its new Boeing fleet last week. Launched in 2023, Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia's second national airline after Saudia, and is owned by the country's Public Investment Fund. USDOT said "the grant of this authority is consistent with the public
interest."
Riyadh Air told USDOT when it sought approval last month that it intends to operate to more than 100
international destinations by 2030 and currently has or is planning partnerships with at least 10 international air carriers including Delta Air Lines.
Delta has said it plans to begin nonstop service to Riyadh from Atlanta in October.
Deliveries are set to bring its fleet to eight by the end of July, and it plans to fly to 22 cities by March 2027, Riyadh CEO Tony Douglas said last week.
With up to 72 787s and as many as 60 A321neos and 50 A350s on order, Douglas calls it "the biggest global aviation startup in modern history".
The airline is part of the oil-producing country's plan to diversify its economy into new industries such as tourism, logistics and technology.
Riyadh Air has announced routes to Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester so far, and cities in India are likely to follow, Douglas said.
(Reporting by David ShepardsonEditing by Alexandra Hudson)
