Riyadh Air exercises options for widebody A350-1000s, converts 787 orders to the 787-10s

Saudi Arabia’s new national airline Riyadh Air is exercising options for a total of 34 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including the A350-1000 and 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline will add the 787-10 to its fleet.

Announced during the Farnborough Airshow, Riyadh Air is exercising its options for 28 additional 787 Dreamliner aircraft from its order placed in 2023. It will also include the conversion of 20 of the jets to the larger 787-10 variant. Including a previously unidentified purchase of 11 787s, Riyadh Air’s firm order for 787s will go up to 67 once the remaining 17 are finalized.

Upon its delivery, Riyadh Air will have two 787 variants to its fleet, the -9 and the -10.

"The commitment to firm up an additional 28 787 Dreamliners and introduce the 787-10 marks another significant milestone in Riyadh Air’s journey towards over 100 international destinations by 2030, a key part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions,” said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. “Following the recent launch of full operations, guests have been hugely impressed with the Riyadh Air experience onboard our current fleet of six Boeing 787 jets. The addition of the 787-10 strengthens our ability to accommodate growing passenger and cargo demand while providing the operational flexibility required to support our ambitious network plans."

“We are delighted to see Riyadh Air flying their new 787 airplanes in commercial service and we are deeply honored they are placing orders for additional 787 Dreamliner aircraft to support their future,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 787-10 will be a great complement to Riyadh Air’s growing fleet and advance the airline’s mission to be a world-class airline that delivers an exceptional passenger experience.”

Options for Six More A350-1000s

Separately, Riyadh Air will also exercise its options for the purchase of six (6) additional widebody A350-1000 aircraft from Airbus. Part of the airline’s original commitment for up to 50 A350-1000s announced in 2025, the total firm orders for the largest A350 variant for Riyadh Air is at 31.

The firm-up of these additional aircraft reflects Riyadh Air's continued confidence in its growth trajectory and in the future of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector," said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air. "Increasing our A350-1000 commitment to 31 aircraft strengthens the foundation of our future network and supports our ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030 while delivering a premium guest experience."

"We are proud to deepen our partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “This additional A350-1000 commitment reflects the airline's confidence in the aircraft's exceptional efficiency, range and passenger appeal. As Riyadh Air advances its ambitious growth plans, the A350-1000 will play an important role in supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives and helping position the Kingdom as a leading international aviation hub."

Riyadh Air will be the first airline in Saudi Arabia to operate the A350-1000.