Riyadh Air orders 34 Boeing, Airbus widebody jets in expansion push

Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air is accelerating its ambitious expansion plans by ordering 34 widebody aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus. The airline aims to connect Riyadh to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, positioning the Saudi capital as a major Middle Eastern hub.

The significant order includes exercising options for 28 Boeing 787 Dreamliners from a previous 2023 agreement. Riyadh Air will convert 20 of these options to the larger 787-10 variant. Additionally, the carrier confirmed the purchase of six Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, firming up previously held purchase rights. This brings Riyadh Air's total confirmed A350-1000 orders to 31.

These aircraft acquisitions, announced at the Farnborough Airshow, are part of Riyadh Air's ramp-up in operations. Since launching new routes in June, the airline has already taken delivery of six 787-9 aircraft and currently serves six cities. The airline is backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.

Riyadh Air plays a central role in the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond oil and boost tourism and connectivity. The airline's expansion is a key component of this national strategy to enhance global reach and economic diversification.