Al Hilal Makes History: Club-Own Plane Debuts Ahead of the Riyadh Derby
30 October 2025
Hilal's Historic Plane Debut Ahead of the Riyadh Derby
Al Hilal announced a historic move just ahead of Friday's Riyadh derby against Al Shabab, in the seventh round of the Saudi Pro League.
The club unveiled its own aircraft, becoming the first club in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East to own a plane bearing the club's crest.
Officials said the Airbus A320neo touched down at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, marking a bold step in the club's branding and fan experience.
First flight on its own plane
According to the club, the team’s first trip on its private plane will head to Doha on Sunday 2 November to face Al-Gharafa in the fourth group-stage match of the AFC Champions League Elite.
The plane will also be available for passenger travel through Flynas' network, offering a novel option for fans and travelers while expanding the club's connectivity.
Ambitions at the summit
Under Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, Hilal remains unbeaten in the Elite Asia Champions League and now eyes the top of the Saudi Pro League as it approaches the Riyadh derby against Al Shabab.
The coach hopes to capitalize on the rivals' wobble early in the season and tighten the gap to the league leaders, while transfers could reinforce the defense ahead of the second half of the campaign.
Current standings place Nassr atop the table, with Hilal in the upper part of the standings and the battle for the podium intensifying; Al Taawoun sits second with 15 points, while Hilal trails closely behind.
Hilal has not lost a league game this season, recording four wins and two draws.
Defensive reinforcement
There is talk that coach Inzaghi has earmarked a local defender to strengthen the back line during the upcoming winter window, with early discussions already underway between Hilal and Gulf Club over a potential move for Murad Housaawi.
Market reports indicate Housaawi’s price tag is around €250,000, and his current deal runs through June 2029, which could make a move financially feasible if talks progress.
The club is keen to push the deal before others enter the fray and to secure stability ahead of the league resume.
Training camp and preparations
Inzaghi and his coaching staff are arranging a special training camp during the upcoming break, which coincides with the Arab Cup in December in Qatar, with a decision on location still pending.
Officials say the camp could be domestic or abroad and may include friendlies, rest days, and a tailored nutrition plan to boost readiness for the second half of the season.
Cup run and derby preview
In the King’s Cup, Hilal edged Al Akhdood 1-0 to reach the quarterfinals, with Marcus Leonardo scoring the stoppage-time winner from the spot.
The quarterfinal draw pairs Hilal with Al Fateh, adding to a schedule filled with tension and the pursuit of the competition’s prestigious title.
As the league and cup campaigns proceed, fans will be watching whether Hilal can topple rivals and climb back to the top of Saudi football.
Humor time: If this plane flies as fast as Hilal’s counter-attacks, the derby will require a longer runway. If in doubt, the plane’s in-flight meal will be a trophy-shaped croissant.
Another line: Football is a sport, but Hilal just took it to the skies—literally. If a plane lands a promotion, does it get to keep the frequent-flyer miles?
