This article is based on an official press release from Riyadh Air, supplemented by industry research reports.

Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, has officially opened public ticket sales for its flagship route between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and London Heathrow (LHR). Announced on May 19, 2026, this development marks a major milestone as the Airlines transitions from its operational testing phase into a fully commercial global carrier.

According to the official company press release, the public debut of the London route will take place on July 1, 2026. Passengers booking these flights will be the first to experience the airline’s brand-new, fully customized Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, moving away from the leased aircraft that have been utilized during the airline’s initial soft launch.

This launch serves as a critical step in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air is positioned as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and establish itself as a premier global aviation and tourism hub.

Transitioning from “Pathway to Perfect” to Public Operations

The “Jamila” Testing Phase

To understand the significance of the July 1 launch, it is important to note that Riyadh Air has technically been operating flights to London for several months. According to industry research reports, the airline initiated its “Pathway to Perfect” operational readiness program on October 26, 2025. This involved daily flights to London Heathrow’s Terminal 4 using a leased “technical spare” Boeing 787-9 from Oman Air, affectionately named “Jamila.”

This strategic soft launch allowed Riyadh Air to secure highly coveted, “use it or lose it” slots at Heathrow Airports while rigorously testing operational procedures, including ticketing, baggage handling, and onboard services. Until now, tickets for these flights were strictly restricted to airline employees, PIF staff, and their families.

The “Jamila” flights are scheduled to conclude on June 30, 2026. The following day, the route will transition exclusively to Riyadh Air’s own newly delivered Boeing 787-9s, opening the doors to the general public.

Inside the Bespoke Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

A Premium-Heavy Configuration

Riyadh Air is entering the market with a clear focus on the high-end global traveler. The airline’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will feature a premium-heavy, four-class configuration designed to compete with established legacy carriers.

The cabin layout includes a specialized “Business Elite” front row of suites offering extra space and a double bed in the middle section. The standard Business Class features a 1-2-1 layout with fully flat beds, doored suites, and a unique feature: immersive high-fidelity sound delivered directly into the seat’s headrests.

For the Premium Economy cabin, the airline has opted for a 39-seat, 2-3-2 layout. These seats offer 38 inches of pitch, privacy headrest wings, and oversized 15.6-inch 4K OLED screens with Bluetooth audio connectivity. The Economy Class utilizes a standard 3-3-3 configuration equipped with 6-way adjustable headrests and dual USB-C charging points. Initial industry reports indicate that economy class tickets for the London route start at approximately 1,991 SAR (about $530) one-way.

Loyalty and Future Expansion

The “Sfeer” Loyalty Program

Coinciding with the opening of ticket sales, Riyadh Air is heavily promoting its new loyalty program, “Sfeer,” which translates to “Ambassador” in Arabic. Passengers booking tickets now are invited to join as Founding Members. According to the airline’s promotional materials, early adopters will receive a “Best Fare Guarantee,” complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi on board, and priority access to future ticket sales. A notable innovation of the Sfeer program is its community-focused approach, allowing members to share “Level Points” with friends and family to help them achieve higher tier status.

Fleet and Route Growth

The London route is just the beginning of Riyadh Air’s aggressive expansion strategy. The airline has firm Orders for 39 Boeing 787-9s, with options for 33 more. Additionally, the carrier has placed orders for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000s and 60 Airbus A321neos. With a stated goal of connecting to over 100 destinations by 2030, the airline has indicated that Manchester, Jeddah, Cairo, and Dubai will be among the next routes announced.

Leadership Perspectives

In the official press release, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas emphasized the importance of the transition to the new aircraft and the airline’s broader strategic goals.

“Today marks a truly exciting milestone for Riyadh Air as we introduce our new aircraft and signature premium experience on our established London route. It demonstrates our deep commitment to delivering a truly world-class journey for our guests…”

Douglas further highlighted the airline’s role in the Kingdom’s economic transformation:

“Connecting Saudi Arabia with the UK directly and beyond through our growing network of global destinations… sits at the very heart of what we are building at Riyadh Air and the Kingdom’s ambitions under Vision 2030.”

AirPro News analysis

We note that Riyadh Air’s Strategy of leasing an aircraft to secure Heathrow slots nearly a year before its official public launch is a highly pragmatic move in the notoriously slot-constrained London market. By running “ghost” or employee-only flights, the airline protected its operational footprint while ironing out the complexities of international ground handling and passenger service. Furthermore, the decision to launch with a four-class, premium-heavy configuration signals that Riyadh Air intends to compete directly on quality and comfort with established Gulf carriers, rather than competing solely on price or volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do public Riyadh Air flights to London begin?

While the airline has been flying a leased aircraft for testing since October 2025, official public flights on Riyadh Air’s own aircraft begin on July 1, 2026.

What aircraft will Riyadh Air use for the London route?

Starting July 1, 2026, the route will be serviced by Riyadh Air’s brand-new, bespoke Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

What is the Riyadh Air loyalty program called?

The loyalty program is called “Sfeer” (Ambassador). Early bookers can join as Founding Members to receive perks like free Wi-Fi and the ability to share status points with family.

Sources: Riyadh Air Press Release, May 19, 2026 Industry Research Report

This article is based on an official press release from Novus Aviation Capital.

On May 11, 2026, Novus Aviation Capital and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SMTB) officially announced the launch of their third co-sponsored operating lease fund, the Ortus Aircraft Leasing Fund, L.P. III (Ortus III). The new fund is strategically focused on acquiring commercial aircraft manufactured by Airbus and Boeing, which will subsequently be placed on operating leases with airlines globally.

This latest iteration of the Ortus platform marks a significant geographic expansion for the partnership. While the first two funds were marketed exclusively to institutional investors in Japan, Ortus III is broadening its fundraising footprint. According to the official press release, the new fund will be offered to investors across Asia-Pacific and the Middle-East, aiming to capture the region’s escalating demand for alternative, asset-backed investment opportunities.

The launch of Ortus III arrives at a critical juncture for the global aviation industry. As passenger traffic continues its robust post-pandemic resurgence, airlines are grappling with severe aircraft shortages. With major manufacturers facing historic production backlogs, the leasing market has become an indispensable resource for operators seeking flexible capacity and financing solutions.

The Evolution of the Ortus Platform

A Decade-Long Partnership

The introduction of Ortus III underscores a ten-year collaborative relationship between Novus Aviation Capital, an independent aircraft leasing and financing platform, and SMTB, Japan’s largest trust bank. Industry data indicates that the inaugural fund, Ortus I, was established in June 2016 with a target size of $200 million. This was followed by Ortus II in 2019, which launched with a similar initial target but was highly successful, ultimately raising close to $300 million before the close of that year.

In the company’s press release, Takeru Mifune, Head of the Asset Finance Team at SMTB, highlighted the durability of the joint venture through recent global disruptions.

“We are pleased that we have successfully launched our third aircraft leasing fund in partnership with Novus. This achievement represents another significant milestone in our decade-long collaboration. Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID 19 pandemic, our existing funds have demonstrated the strength and resilience of our partnership, while underscoring Novus’s exceptional management capabilities throughout the period.”

Geographic Expansion and Investor Appetite

The decision to expand the fund’s reach beyond Japan reflects broader macroeconomic trends. By targeting the wider Asian and Middle Eastern markets, Novus and SMTB are tapping into emerging wealth hubs that show a growing appetite for aviation-backed alternative investments. George Ai, Head of Asia and Capital Formation for Novus, noted in the release that the renewed collaboration signals a shared confidence in the aviation sector’s long-term viability.

“After a period of pause driven by the impact of COVID, this renewed collaboration reflects our shared confidence in the long term resilience of the aviation sector. With investor interest in asset backed strategies continuing to strengthen, this new fund reinforces our commitment to meeting the industry’s evolving financing needs while delivering stable, attractive returns for our investors.”

Market Dynamics Driving Leasing Demand

OEM Backlogs and Supply Chain Constraints

A primary catalyst for the current aircraft leasing boom is the inability of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to deliver new aircraft at the pace required by global airlines. According to March 2026 commercial aircraft order and delivery reports from Forecast International, Airbus currently holds a backlog of 9,031 commercial aircraft, representing approximately 10.4 years of production coverage. Boeing’s backlog stands at roughly 6,719 aircraft, equating to about 10.1 years of production.

These record-high backlogs are further compounded by severe supply chain disruptions and ongoing engine supply issues, such as Pratt & Whitney GTF inspections and wiring defects. Because airlines cannot easily acquire new aircraft directly from manufacturers in the near term, they are increasingly reliant on leasing companies to secure the necessary fleet capacity to meet surging passenger demand.

Leasing Market Growth Projections

As airlines shift toward asset-light business models to manage capital expenditures, the leasing sector’s valuation is climbing rapidly. Market research from Global Market Insights and Research and Markets estimates the global aircraft leasing market was valued between $187 billion and $197 billion in the 2024/2025 period. Driven by the need for fleet modernization and flexible capital management, the market is projected to reach between $320 billion and $354 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 8% to 11.8%.

AirPro News analysis

We view the launch of Ortus III as a highly strategic maneuver that capitalizes on a unique bottleneck in commercial aviation. The reality of a 10-plus-year production backlog at both Airbus and Boeing means that airlines have virtually no choice but to turn to lessors if they want to expand or modernize their fleets before the mid-2030s. Furthermore, the geographic pivot from a Japan-exclusive investor base to the broader Middle East and Asia is a shrewd acknowledgment of where current institutional liquidity resides. The Middle East, in particular, is heavily investing in aviation infrastructure and asset-backed alternatives, making it fertile ground for a fund like Ortus III. Ultimately, the fact that Novus and SMTB are launching this third fund after a pandemic-induced pause serves as a strong indicator that institutional confidence in commercial aviation has fully rebounded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ortus III fund?

The Ortus Aircraft Leasing Fund, L.P. III (Ortus III) is an operating lease fund co-sponsored by Novus Aviation Capital and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SMTB). It focuses on acquiring Airbus and Boeing commercial aircraft to lease to airlines worldwide.

Why is the aircraft leasing market growing so quickly?

The market is expanding due to a combination of surging post-pandemic travel demand and severe supply chain bottlenecks at major manufacturers. With Airbus and Boeing facing production backlogs of over 10 years, airlines must rely on leasing companies to acquire the aircraft they need today.

How does Ortus III differ from previous Ortus funds?

While Ortus I (launched in 2016) and Ortus II (launched in 2019) were marketed exclusively to institutional investors in Japan, Ortus III is expanding its fundraising efforts across the broader Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

Sources

• Novus Aviation Capital Official Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is directing nearly $1 billion toward making American airports more accommodating for families. According to an official press release from the agency, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the $970 million investment on May 18, 2026.

The funding will be distributed as 133 grants across 45 states. It represents the culmination of the “Make Travel Family Friendly Again” campaign, an initiative launched in December 2025 by Secretary Duffy and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to improve the physical infrastructure and nutritional options available to travelers.

Backed by the Airport Terminal Program (ATP) under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the grants target specific quality-of-life improvements for parents and children navigating the nation’s air travel system.

Advancing the “Family First” Agenda

The FAA’s latest funding push encourages airports to develop spaces that reduce the stress of family travel. According to the agency’s announcement, eligible projects include children’s play areas, nursing pods, mothers’ rooms, family-friendly security screening lanes, and sensory rooms for neurodivergent children. The initiative also includes funding for terminal exercise spaces.

“This administration is focused on making travel happier and more convenient for American families. The Golden Age of Travel includes a Family First agenda. We’re making airports inviting spaces for parents and children to relax and recharge prior to boarding,” Secretary Duffy stated in the FAA release.

The campaign also carries a nutritional component. During the initiative’s launch in late 2025, HHS Secretary Kennedy emphasized a push to ensure airports provide access to fresh, whole foods, setting a standard for healthy eating on travel days.

Highlighted Airport Upgrades Across the U.S.

Major Terminal Enhancements

The FAA highlighted several key grants to illustrate how the $970 million will be utilized across the country. Notably, Donald J. Trump International Airport in Palm Beach, Florida, which is formally rebranding from Palm Beach International Airport in July 2026, received $10 million to expand its terminal. The agency noted that upgrades will feature new restrooms, dedicated mothers’ rooms, and a new sensory room designed to assist families traveling with neurodivergent children.

Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport in Texas was awarded $8 million to modernize 37 restrooms across five terminals, adding specific family-friendly features. Meanwhile, General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport in Boston received $2.8 million to renovate four “Kidports” areas with new play structures themed for children of all ages.

Other notable awards include $2 million for Tupelo Regional Airport in Mississippi to expand its terminal and add a family-friendly security screening lane aimed at reducing TSA processing stress, and $150,000 for Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport in Vermont for family-focused terminal improvements.

“The FAA is moving quickly to get these investments out the door and into airports nationwide. These projects will help create a more welcoming and accessible travel experience for families while demonstrating our commitment to improving America’s airports at record speed,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford in the official statement.

Balancing Amenities with Systemic Aviation Challenges

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we observe that while the $970 million investment brings welcome amenities for traveling families, it arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of systemic aviation issues. Industry critics have pointed out that terminal upgrades, such as play areas and nursing rooms, do not address the root causes of U.S. air travel frustrations, namely frequent flight disruptions and severe staffing shortages. The FAA currently faces a deficit of roughly 3,000 certified air traffic controllers.

Furthermore, the inclusion of “exercise areas” has drawn mixed reactions. Some public commentators have referenced Secretary Duffy’s previous remarks urging a return to formal travel attire and criticizing passengers for wearing pajamas to the airport, questioning the practical integration of workout spaces in terminals.

However, we note that the Department of Transportation is simultaneously addressing these core infrastructure and staffing issues. On the same day as the family-friendly grants announcement, Secretary Duffy also revealed $835.8 million to upgrade Air Traffic Control facilities and $26 million to bolster the pilot and maintenance technician workforce. This parallel funding suggests a broader, multi-pronged strategy to stabilize the aviation sector’s operational backbone while simultaneously improving the passenger experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the funding for these airport upgrades coming from?

The $970 million in grants is distributed through the Airport Terminal Program (ATP), which is funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

What types of projects are included in the “Family First” agenda?

The FAA is funding projects that include children’s play areas, exercise spaces, nursing pods, mothers’ rooms, family-friendly security screening lanes, and sensory rooms for children with special needs.

Sources

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)