FARNBOROUGH— Riyadh Air (RX) has unveiled one of the largest fleet expansion announcements at the Farnborough International Airshow, committing to 34 additional widebody aircraft from Boeing and Airbus.
The Saudi Arabian carrier said the new agreements will strengthen its long-haul strategy as it works toward serving more than 100 international destinations by 2030 under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 program.
Riyadh Air Airbus and Boeing Order
The expansion includes 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners and six more Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, significantly increasing the airline’s future fleet
Riyadh Air (RX), based in Riyadh (RUH), said the new aircraft will enhance capacity, improve fuel efficiency, and support its goal of positioning Riyadh as a leading global aviation hub.
Boeing Fleet Growth Expansion
Riyadh Air’s latest agreement with Boeing expands its Dreamliner commitment through a combination of exercised purchase options and previously undisclosed orders.
The airline confirmed it is exercising options for 28 Boeing 787 aircraft while converting 20 of those units to the larger Boeing 787-10 variant.
The announcement also revealed an earlier purchase of 11 additional Dreamliners that had not previously been disclosed.
Once all remaining agreements are finalized, Riyadh Air’s firm Boeing 787 order book will increase to 67 aircraft, providing a strong foundation for its future international operations.
Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas said the expanded Boeing agreement represents another milestone in the airline’s long-term growth strategy.
He explained that the introduction of the Boeing 787-10 will increase both passenger and cargo capacity while preserving operational efficiency because of its commonality with the Boeing 787-9 already planned for the fleet.
The Boeing 787-10 offers approximately 50 more seats than the smaller 787-9. It also delivers around 25 percent lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared with older-generation aircraft, making it well suited for high-demand international routes.
Airbus Expansion Strengthens Network
Alongside the Boeing announcement, Riyadh Air confirmed a firm order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The latest commitment raises the airline’s total A350-1000 order to 31 aircraft, further diversifying its long-haul fleet.
The Airbus A350-1000 will make Riyadh Air the first airline in Saudi Arabia to operate the aircraft type.
Designed for premium long-haul travel, the aircraft offers a range of approximately 9,700 nautical miles, enabling nonstop services to distant global markets while maintaining lower operating costs.
Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida said the additional Airbus order reflects confidence in Riyadh Air’s future expansion plans. He added that the aircraft will provide the flexibility needed to support the airline’s evolving international network over the coming years.
Vision 2030 Strategy Supports Expansion
The combined Boeing and Airbus orders reinforce Riyadh Air’s objective of operating one of the world’s youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets.
Modern aircraft with lower emissions and improved economics will help the airline expand sustainably while offering greater connectivity across international markets.
Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air is expected to play a major role in the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy.
The airline projects it will contribute more than SAR 75 billion (US$20 billion) to non-oil GDP and create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030.
With 34 additional widebody aircraft now committed, Riyadh Air continues to accelerate its growth plans and strengthen its position as one of the fastest-growing new airlines in global aviation.
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