Riyadh Air is seeking permission from the Department of Transportation to start flights to the U.S.
The airline, one of Saudi Arabia’s two flag carriers, applied for a foreign air carrier permit and exemption authority on Tuesday. Attorneys representing Riyadh Air asked the DOT to handle the request “promptly,” under streamlined licensing procedures.
The carrier plans to commence service to the U.S. “upon receipt of all required government approvals.” It did not say which cities it plans to serve.
Riyadh Air is owned entirely by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, known as the Public Investment Fund. It was formed three years ago as part of a broader effort by the Saudi government to diversify the country’s economy and increase tourism.
The airline is still in its start-up phase. It launched flights to London Heathrow in October, but service remains limited and is only open to company officials. Other destinations reportedly under consideration include Paris, Madrid, Manchester, Cairo, and Dubai.
Riyadh Air expects to connect over 100 destinations by 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s other flag carrier, Saudia, already flies nonstop to the U.S.
