Riyadh Air, a start-up carrier based in Saudi Arabia, received its first two fully-owned Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners this week. The deliveries were announced by Boeing on Friday as the aircraft landed at King Khalid International Airport, the main hub for Riyadh Air.

This marks a significant milestone for the airline as it prepares to launch full-scale commercial service. Riyadh Air has placed an order for up to 72 787s, along with 60 Airbus A321neos and up to 50 A350-1000s.

According to Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, the arrival of the custom-built 787 Dreamliners in Riyadh is a historic moment for the airline and a significant day for Saudi aviation. He expressed his excitement and confidence in the future and the legacy they are building. Douglas also noted that the airline is not only creating a new carrier, but also opening a new gateway to the world from the heart of the kingdom.

Currently, Riyadh Air is operating a leased 787, nicknamed “Jamila,” to connect Riyadh and London. However, these flights are limited to airline staff and their families. This will change in July when the route becomes fully open to the public. It is expected that one of the new 787s will take over the service at that time.

In addition to London, Riyadh Air has plans to add 100 destinations by 2030, including Cairo and Jeddah. The airline is owned entirely by the Public Investment Fund, which is Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. It was established three years ago as part of the government’s efforts to diversify the country’s economy and increase tourism. Riyadh Air is the country’s second flag carrier, following Saudia, which is based in Jeddah.