New Middle East Flag Carrier Announces 2025 Appointment for Technical Pilot – Airbus

Saudi Arabia  – Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has appointed Captain Abhas Gupta as Technical Pilot – Airbus from October 2025. Formerly holding a senior technical pilot role and as a Type Rating Instructor (A320 Family) with IndiGo, Captain Gupta will be instrumental in the growing Airbus A321neo fleet at Riyadh Air.

• Riyadh Air is targeting a late 2025 commercial launch, with a strategic focus on regional and European markets - an initial flight might take place on October 26, 2025.

• Fleet ramp-up is currently constrained by aircraft delivery schedules, with the airline expecting to receive one aircraft per month.

• Riyadh Air has placed firm orders for:

  • 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft (none delivered to date)

  • 60 Airbus A321neo (A321-200N) aircraft

  • 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft

Source: Abhas Gupta (Riyadh Air)