Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
Saudi Arabia’s brand-new airline took to the skies for its first-ever commercial flight on Wednesday. Here is what you should know about the new carrier connecting London and Manchester to the Middle East.
Riyadh Air launched its first commercial flight to London on its new Boeing 797-9 Dreamliner on 10 June, bringing forward the date from its initial 1 July launch due to the plane being delivered early.
Flight RX401 took off from Saudi Arabia at 2.35am local time on Wednesday, 10 June, for a six-and-a-half-hour flight, landing at 7.30am at London Heathrow.
Riyadh Air, founded by the nation’s Public Investment Fund, will be running regular services between the Saudi capital and London and Manchester. Routes will also connect Riyadh to Jeddah, Cairo, Dubai and Madrid.
Flights between London and Riyadh will run daily, while Manchester services, launching on 23 July, will run three times a week. Tickets for both routes are available to purchase now.
Riyadh Air’s new 787-9 Dreamliners offer a four-class configuration: Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy.
Riyadh Air’s seating (Riyadh Air)
Business Elite and Business passengers will have flat beds, with air conditioning, USB charging and high-fidelity sound delivered directly into headrests.
Premium Economy features privacy headrest wings, additional storage and expandable tables.
Every seat will offer Bluetooth and physical audio jacks, as well as ergonomic foam chairs.
Passengers will also have access to in-flight entertainment systems offering a selection of 500 films and 600 TV series from streamer services like Disney+, HBO Max and Arabic platform Shahid.
A thousand albums and playlists will also be available through Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova system.
For onboard hospitality, Riyadh Air will be providing bespoke products from Saudi lifestyle brand Kayanee, while younger travellers will be given bespoke Disney amenity kits.
Riyadh Air will be operating flights to Manchester and London (Riyadh Air)
Guests travelling in Business Elite and Business will receive exclusive Kayanee loungewear, while Premium Economy guests will be given a Kayanee loungewear top.
The airline has also launched its own loyalty programme, Sfeer, which provides a points-collecting system, rewards and free onboard wifi.
The airline hopes that by 2030 it will connect passengers to over 100 destinations worldwide.
Read more: Riyadh Air– ‘We will be, for sure, a super-connector’ says boss of startup airline
