Hello from Spain! I recently flew business class on Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 during the six-hour journey from Riyadh (RUH) to Madrid (MAD) as I continue my return review trip. Naturally, I was eager for this flight, especially since Riyadh Air has just begun its commercial operations, aims for significant growth, and is committed to premium service with meticulous attention to detail.
So, how did everything turn out? Overall, my experience was outstanding. Riyadh Air’s cabins are stunning — the airline has truly excelled in design (this was also evident in the lounge). They offer exceptional amenities and meals, friendly staff, and solid entertainment options.
However, as expected from a new airline, there were a few areas that could use refinement. The Wi-Fi was down, and I feel that the service could be a bit more streamlined (though that will likely improve over time).
All in all, for a fledgling airline, they are certainly operating like seasoned pros. In this post, I’ll share some initial impressions, and soon enough, I will present a full review.
Riyadh Air’s 787 business class cabin may be my new favorite
I believe Riyadh Air has the finest Boeing 787 business class interiors I’ve seen on any airline, thanks to the quality of the seats and cabin finishes.
Let’s discuss the cabin finishes and aesthetics first. CEO Tony Douglas has previously described the interiors as akin to a Maybach in quality, and I think that assessment is spot on. I don’t think I’ve encountered such an elegantly designed business class cabin before.
The seats exude a luxury that’s rare among airlines, from the meticulous stitching to the patterns that evoke the desert. Each seat even features custom lighting settings, a level of personalization that is uncommon in the industry.
But it’s not just about looks; there’s real substance too. Riyadh Air has chosen the Safran Unity platform for its Dreamliners, which I regard as some of the best business class seats available. Japan Airlines was the first airline to use this product, and it truly offers an exceptional staggered seat complete with a door. In my view, Dreamliner business class seats don’t get any better than this.
Speaking of the overall cabin atmosphere, I absolutely love Riyadh Air’s boarding music. I could listen to it for hours — I just wish they would post more than a 90-second clip on YouTube, allowing me to enjoy it in the background while I work.
My one significant disappointment with the hard product was the absence of individual air nozzles. Come on, Riyadh Air, new Dreamliners without individual air vents?! If it’s any consolation, Saudis appreciate their air conditioning, so at least the cabin was maintained at a comfortable temperature.
Riyadh Air’s 787 business class has fantastic tech… sort of
When it comes to technology, Riyadh Air’s 787 business class seats are equipped with sharp 22″ 4K OLED screens. They have all the essential features, from an excellent map function (including a special version for kids, which I appreciate) to Bluetooth audio and headrest speakers — yes, you can enjoy entertainment without headphones, similar to the technology used on Japan Airlines.
The seats also come with two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and one AC power outlet (there’s no wireless charging, but I consider that a bit overrated anyway, so it didn’t bother me).
So far, so good, but here’s the hitch I encountered. Riyadh Air is supposed to offer complimentary Viasat Wi-Fi, but it unfortunately didn’t work on my flight at all. I understand that tech sometimes falters, but I found the lack of communication regarding this issue to be somewhat disappointing.
I brought this to the crew’s attention, and they appeared surprised, responding that they would look into it. I checked back with them 30 minutes later, and they mentioned they attempted to reset it, but that was the extent of their efforts. In these circumstances, it would be beneficial if they communicated these issues more proactively, especially given how prominently the airline promotes its free Wi-Fi service.
Riyadh Air’s business class amenities are abundant
As one would anticipate from a newly launched “premium” airline in the Gulf, Riyadh Air business class offers an impressive array of amenities.
First and foremost, I must highlight that the bedding was exceptional. Each passenger received two pillows, a substantial blanket, and a notably thick mattress pad, likely among the highest quality I’ve encountered on any airline. The crew also provided turndown service, making it easier to settle in comfortably.
Beyond that, Riyadh Air has