Riyadh Air Gets Green Light for US Flights - Thoughts?

Hey everyone! So, I just read that Riyadh Air got the thumbs-up from the US Department of Transportation to start flying between Saudi Arabia and the US. They're planning to use their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for these flights.

Honestly, I think this is a big move for Riyadh Air. Getting DOT approval isn't a small feat, and it opens up a lot of opportunities for them to expand into the US market. I'm really curious to see how they'll stack up against other carriers operating those routes.

I imagine this could shake things up a bit in terms of competition. Plus, more options for passengers is always a good thing, right?

I wonder how soon they'll start these flights and what kind of schedule they'll have. Also, do you think they'll focus more on passenger services, or will cargo play a big role too? If anyone's got more insights or thoughts on this, would love to hear them!

I'm curious about the routes they'll pick first. Direct Riyadh to NYC or LA seems likely, but maybe they'll surprise us with something different. The 787-9 is a solid choice for long-haul, though. Wonder if they'll try to lure passengers with lower fares or focus on amenities to stand out? Cargo could definitely be a factor too, considering the trade links. Anyone know what the competition on similar routes is like right now?

I'm curious how Riyadh Air's pricing will compare to existing carriers. More competition could mean better deals for travelers. And yeah, the Boeing 787-9 is a great choice for those long flights. Wonder if they'll do any codeshares with bigger US airlines to boost connections. Cargo might play a role, especially with the current global demand for air freight. Anyone know if they've announced any specific routes or partnerships yet?

I'm wondering how Riyadh Air will handle the competition with airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways that already have a strong presence on US routes. Will they try to undercut on price or focus on a unique service angle? Also, the US approval is just one hurdle. They'll need to build some brand recognition quickly in a pretty crowded market. Anyone know if they have any partnerships lined up with US carriers for connections?

I wonder if Riyadh Air will go for any codeshare agreements with US airlines. That could really help them get a foothold. I remember when Qatar Airways teamed up with American Airlines, it really expanded their reach in the US. And yeah, I'm curious about the cargo side too. With the 787-9, they've got good cargo capacity, so they might try to balance both. Anyone know if they've hinted at any specific routes yet?