Riyadh Air's 787 Business Class Debuts With Luxe Cabin, Service Snags

Riyadh Air's business-class product on the Boeing 787-9 is drawing praise for cabin design and hardware choices, according to an early review of the Riyadh–Madrid service, though operational hiccups underscore the challenges facing the newly launched carrier.

The airline has installed Safran Unity seats — a staggered configuration with privacy doors first introduced by Japan Airlines — which reviewers describe as among the strongest business-class offerings on any Dreamliner. Cabin aesthetics reportedly reflect what CEO Tony Douglas has likened to Maybach-level finishes, featuring custom stitching, desert-pattern upholstery, and seat-level lighting controls that exceed industry norms. The overall ambiance, from boarding music to surface materials, is said to distinguish Riyadh Air from established Middle Eastern and European competitors.

Food quality and amenity kits were noted as top-tier, and crew demeanor received positive marks. However, the absence of individual air nozzles — a feature increasingly omitted on new 787 deliveries — was flagged as a design shortcoming on what is otherwise a well-appointed aircraft.

Service execution lagged behind the hard product. Wi-Fi was inoperative on the reviewed flight, and meal pacing was described as slower than optimal, issues commonly associated with airline startups still refining operational rhythm. Observers suggest these are correctable inefficiencies rather than systemic flaws, typical of carriers in their first weeks of commercial flying.

Riyadh Air commenced revenue operations recently and has outlined an aggressive expansion roadmap. The carrier's early performance on the Madrid route suggests it is positioning itself as a premium alternative in a crowded long-haul market, banking on differentiated hard product and Saudi backing to build passenger loyalty while addressing the teething problems inherent in any new airline launch.