RIYADH- The upcoming Saudi Arabian carrier, Riyadh Air (RX) is preparing to place an order for widebody aircraft capable of seating over 300 passengers, with the order expected in 2025.
The airline’s chief financial officer, Adam Boukadida, confirmed these plans during the Future Investment Initiative investor forum in Riyadh.
Riyadh Air Widebody Order
This upcoming order will mark Riyadh Air’s third since its establishment in 2022. The airline, which aims to commence operations in the summer of 2025, has set its sights on securing ultra-wide-body jets to enhance its long-haul capacity.
“We will do our third RFP for an ultimate ultra-wide body, which has more than 300 seats as well, but that will be next year,” Boukadida stated, using the industry term “RFP” (Request for Proposal) to refer to the procurement process.
Riyadh Air has not yet decided between Boeing and Airbus for its upcoming wide-body fleet, with Boukadida noting satisfaction with current relationships with both suppliers.
So we did a little analysis and found out that widebody aircraft close to 300 or more than 300 seats available in the market are Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-10.
Airbus A350-900 can seat up to 440 passengers in all economy configurations. But Riyadh Air will be a full-service carrier and will likely choose two or three-class configurations that come with 300-350 seats.
Similarly, the Boeing 787-10 can seat up to 336 passengers in two two-class configurations and close to 300 in three-class configurations.
Adam Boukadida confirmed that the new widebody order in 2025 will have 300+ seats or close to 300 seats. That’s why it can either be A350-900 or 787-10.
Why Not Other Planes?
But the question arises if it’s greater than 300 then it could be A330neo, A350-1000, or 777X planes. Yes, they are also a possibility but based on the Boukadida remarks, A350-900 and 787-10 seem closer.
Let’s decode this as well, Airbus A330-900 can seat up to 440 passengers in all economy configuration and 260-300 in three-class configuration. This is closer to 300 but not more than 300. So Riyadh Air might not go with this option.
Now comes A350-1000 which can seat up to 480 passengers in full economy seating configuration and 350-410 in three class configuration. However, it’s far more than 300 and can be costly to operate. So filing 350+ passengers for the newly established carrier is challenging.
Also, the A350-1000 is facing issues with RR engines and that’s what stopping Emirates (EK) from ordering them and Riyadh Air knows it well.
Similarly, Boeing 777X has two variants 777-8 and 777-9. The 777-8 can seat up to 396 passengers while the 777-9 426 in a two-class configuration and more in all economy arrangements.
Once again it’s far greater than 300 and it’s actually a 400-seater plane that aims to replace 747s and A380s with two engines and long-range.
So yes, 777X is expensive to operate, not easy to fill and Boeing is facing lots of issues. It’s already the end of 2024 and they have not received type certification from the FAA. Some report says the delivery of the first 777X may slip to the end of 2025 or 2026.
Bottom Line
Last week, Riyadh Air confirmed a multi-billion-dollar deal to acquire 60 Airbus A321neo narrow-body jets. This purchase increases Riyadh Air’s total aircraft orders to 132, following a previous agreement with Boeing to buy 39 Dreamliner 787-9 wide-body planes, with options for 33 additional jets.
One more thing 787-9s seat close to 300 passengers so it can be a repeat order for 787-9s as well.
Anyways, only time will tell, whether Riyadh Air will continue with Boeing widebody planes or switch to Airbus widebodies.
Feature Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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