RIYADH- The most talked Startup carrier, Riyadh Air (RX) has finally announced a major order for 60 narrowbody Airbus A321neo family aircraft which includes A321neo, A321LR, and A321XLRs today on October 30, 2024.
The agreement was signed at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, marking a milestone for Riyadh Air. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from Riyadh Air, the Public Investment Fund, and Airbus.
Riyadh Air Airbus A321neo Order
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas stated this investment will enable the airline to support economic growth in aviation and operate one of the most fuel-efficient fleets, helping Saudi Arabia achieve its decarbonization goals.
This order will not only enable us to support economic growth in the aviation industry, it will also ensure Riyadh Air operates one of the most sustainable fleets in the industry and be instrumental in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its net-zero emissions goals. This deal strongly reinforces the positive economic impact of Saudi Arabia’s newest airline on both a global and local scale and helps facilitate the fast-growing local aviation ecosystem.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas
His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF Governor and Chairman of Riyadh Air, said:
We are pleased to embark on another key milestone in Riyadh Air’s journey with the carrier’s second major fleet order, this time in partnership with Airbus. This deal underlines the airline’s ambitious intentions in advance of next year’s launch as it builds a comprehensive international network and establishes Riyadh as a major strategic global aviation hub.
H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF Governor and Chairman of Riyadh Air
Airbus‘ Christian Scherer said the A321neo’s exceptional efficiency and comfort will benefit Riyadh Air’s operations and passengers. The A321neo offers a 50% noise reduction and over 20% fuel/CO2 savings compared to previous single-aisle models.
We are proud to welcome Riyadh Air as a new Airbus customer and to be a part of its exciting journey. The latest generation A321neo aircraft will bring exceptional efficiency to the airline’s operations and comfort to its passengers. We look forward to working together to support the incredible growth of Saudi aviation.
Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus
To date, over 6,700 A321neos have been ordered by more than 90 customers globally.
All Set for 2025 Launch
The deal marks the end of speculation about Riyadh Air’s fleet plans. The airline will fly a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft across its network.
In 2023, Riyadh Air placed its first aircraft order, covering 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with options for 33 more. An additional widebody contract is expected as the airline accelerates its growth.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas used a metaphor to describe the airline’s strategy: “If you want to be a bear, be a grizzly. [There’s] no point in being a koala – even though they are very cute and very cuddly.”
100+ Destinations by 2030
Riyadh Air is wholly owned by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund and aims to boost tourism to the country. The carrier plans to launch its first flights in 2025.
Riyadh Air’s aircraft orders mark its ambitious growth plans. The airline targets over 100 destinations by 2030, aiming to contribute $20 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy.
Beyond its own fleet, Riyadh Air has struck partnerships with major carriers like Delta and Singapore Airlines. The CEO expects two additional deals with airlines in Europe and India before the carrier’s first flights next year.
Saudi Arabia aims for 150 million annual travelers by 2030, including 70 million international visitors. Riyadh Air is central to these tourism goals, leveraging its global network to drive traffic to the Kingdom.
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