RIYADH— Riyadh Air (RX) is studying an order for as many as 30 additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as the Saudi startup carrier expands beyond its small launch fleet. The airline, based in Riyadh (RUH), is reviewing a purchase of between 25 and 30 jets, according to industry sources cited by Reuters.
An announcement could come as early as the Farnborough International Airshow, which begins on July 20, 2026, though the sources noted that talks were still continuing.
The move would largely convert existing options into firm orders rather than open an entirely new deal, building on the fleet Riyadh Air began flying from Riyadh (RUH) to London Heathrow (LHR) earlier this year.
Riyadh Air New Order for 787
Riyadh Air agreed in 2023 to buy 39 Boeing 787-9s, along with options for another 33 aircraft.
Exercising 25 to 30 of those options would raise its firm Dreamliner commitment to between 64 and 69 aircraft, while leaving as many as eight options unconverted.
The potential deal would therefore draw on purchase rights the airline already holds. Riyadh Air and Boeing declined to comment on the report, and the sources cautioned that no final decision had been reached.
Riyadh Air Launch and Network Plans
Riyadh Air began revenue service in June 2026, launching its first flight to London Heathrow (LHR) with a Boeing 787-9.
Chief Executive Tony Douglas said at the time that incoming deliveries would grow the fleet to eight aircraft by the end of July and allow the airline to serve 22 destinations by March 2027.
The carrier is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and was established in 2023 as the kingdom’s second national airline alongside Saudia (SV). It plans to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030 as Saudi Arabia invests heavily in aviation and tourism.
A Growing Airbus Order Book
Riyadh Air has also built a large Airbus commitment. The airline ordered 60 Airbus A321neo-family aircraft in 2024 and signed a firm agreement for 25 A350-1000 widebody jets at the Paris Air Show in June 2025. That agreement also carried options for another 25 A350-1000s.
Reuters reported that Riyadh Air is considering converting some of those Airbus purchase rights into firm orders as well, though no figure was disclosed.
In total, the carrier currently lists a planned fleet of as many as 182 aircraft, covering firm orders and options for the Boeing 787-9, Airbus A350-1000, and Airbus A321neo.
Fleet Configuration and Long-Haul Strategy
Riyadh Air has configured its 787-9s with 290 seats across business, premium economy, and economy cabins. The aircraft will form the backbone of its initial long-haul operation.
The larger A350-1000 is set to add capacity as the airline widens its international network. Together, the two widebody types anchor Riyadh Air’s plan to grow quickly from a startup carrier into a global operator over the next several years.
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