A NEW airline is set to start running flights from the UK with a fleet of 200 jets – but booze will be banned on board.
The operator is understood to be “desperately keen” to start a programme of long-haul flights and is targeting a major airport.
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According to a report in The Telegraph, Saudi carrier Riyadh Air is eyeing up a gap in the UK market.
The firm was only founded in March last year but has already risen to the status of the Kingdom’s second airline, behind only the government-owned Saudia.
It is also, like most major companies in the country, financially linked to the state through the Public Investment Fund but it is headed up by British executive Tony Douglas.
Mr Douglas, a former CEO of Etihad, said that Riyadh Air is now looking to set up a route between the UK and the Gulf.
The carrier has now completed many of the key stages of its application for a licence.
Bosses are reportedly looking to seize a slot at the UK’s busiest airport – London Heathrow.
The application is aided by the fact that the airport has a number of slots reserved specifically for debut operators.
This would allow Brits to access direct flights from the capital to Saudi Arabia, in competition with firms like Emirates and Etihad.
The report suggests that the route could start up from next year, but it depends on when Boeing delivers a trio of 787 jets to the firm, which they need to make the trip.
However, Brits who enjoy a tipple at altitude will be disappointed to learn that alcohol will not be served on the flights.
Mr Douglas confirmed that the restrictions would remain in place in line with Saudi’s tight rules on the sale of booze.
The devoutly Muslim nation only recently allowed alcohol to be served in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter but elsewhere consumption is strictly forbidden.
It has been suggested that the law could be loosened over the coming five years to include select bars and restaurants, including in airports.
Mr Douglas explained: “We will conform to the law of the land just as anybody else does wherever they may be.
“If the law changes then we would pivot accordingly.”
And discussing the company’s plans, he added: “We’re not going public with the full list until we’ve got all the slots.
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“But Western Europe is essential.
“We’re desperately keen to get access to Heathrow.”