Riyadh Air, a new Saudi Arabian airline, has ordered 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft with an option to increase to 50, supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to boost air travel and position the country as a global aviation hub, marking the airline's first A350-1000 operation and emphasizing sustainability and premium service.
Riyadh Air, a new Saudi Arabian airline set to launch in 2025, is expected to place a significant order for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with a firm order for 50 planes and options for an additional 50. The exact details of the order are yet to be announced, but it is anticipated that the airline will use the narrow-body jets to complement its long-haul fleet and provide both long and short-haul connectivity. This order would add to Riyadh Air's previous order for Boeing 787s, potentially resulting in an all-Boeing fleet for the airline.
Middle Eastern airlines made fewer aircraft orders than expected at the Paris Air Show, with no orders from the big three Gulf airlines. Saudi budget airline Flynas ordered 30 A320neo aircraft, while Air Algeria ordered eight Boeing 737 Max 9 single-aisle aircraft. Saudi Arabia's new airline, Riyadh Air, did not announce an order at the air show, but CEO Tony Douglas said the airline would not rule out an Airbus order in the future. Emirates CEO Tim Clark said the airline may order Airbus A350s, Boeing 777Xs or 787s soon.
Boeing is reportedly in talks to sell at least 150 737 Max jets to Saudi Arabian startup Riyadh Air, which is looking for a total of 300 to 400 single-aisle jets. Airbus may also be in the running for part of the order. Neither Boeing, Riyadh Air, nor the Public Investment Fund have commented on the matter.
Riyadh Air, a new Saudi Arabian carrier owned by the Public Investment Fund, has ordered 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with options for 33 more, as part of Saudi Arabia's plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. The fuel-efficient 787s will support the country's goal of welcoming 100 million visitors per year by 2030. The 787-9 provides the longest range of the 787 family of airplanes, flying approximately 300 passengers 7,565 nautical miles, with additional cargo capacity.
Boeing has agreed to sell 78 of its 787 Dreamliner planes to two Saudi Arabian airlines, Saudia and Riyadh Air, with options for more. The deal is worth almost $37bn, according to the White House. The sale shows a pickup in demand for wide-body aircraft, which are used for long-distance flights. Riyadh Air is owned by the country's sovereign wealth fund and will be helmed by Tony Douglas as CEO.