Riyadh Air Secures Massive Order for Up to 50 Airbus A350-1000s at Paris Air Show

Paris, June 17 - At the 55th Paris Air Show in June 2025, Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious new national carrier, made headlines by announcing a monumental order for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s rapid ascent toward becoming a global aviation powerhouse. The agreement, formalized at Le Bourget Airport, includes 25 firm orders and options for an additional 25 aircraft, positioning Riyadh Air as the first Saudi airline to operate this advanced, long-range widebody jet. This strategic move underscores the carrier’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a transformative national initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and establishing the Kingdom as a leading aviation and tourism hub capable of handling 300 million passengers annually by the end of the decade. The signing ceremony, attended by prominent figures including H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Airbus CEO of Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer, and Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, highlighted the deal’s importance to both the airline and the broader Saudi aviation ecosystem.

The Airbus A350-1000, known for its cutting-edge technology, is a cornerstone of Riyadh Air’s fleet strategy. With a range of over 16,000 kilometers, the aircraft enables the airline to connect Riyadh to major global destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, supporting its goal of serving over 100 destinations by 2030. The A350-1000 offers unparalleled fuel efficiency, a wider cabin with higher ceilings, larger windows, and advanced air quality systems, ensuring superior passenger comfort on ultra-long-haul routes. Additionally, the aircraft is certified to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aligning with Riyadh Air’s sustainability objectives and Airbus’s commitment to achieving 100% SAF compatibility by 2030. This focus on eco-conscious travel positions Riyadh Air to meet growing global demand for sustainable aviation while delivering a premium travel experience. The airline plans to introduce a stylish first-class cabin exclusive to the A350-1000, complementing its recently unveiled business class and innovative cabin interiors, setting a new standard for luxury travel in the Middle East.

Riyadh Air’s order adds to its existing commitments for 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321neos, bringing its total fleet to up to 182 aircraft. This three-type fleet strategy optimizes operational efficiency while minimizing complexity, a pragmatic approach for a startup carrier with ambitious growth plans. Backed by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air aims to create 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute nearly $20 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP. The airline, which received its Air Operator Certificate in 2025, is on track to commence operations by the end of the year, with plans to announce its first destinations soon. 

The A350-1000 order not only strengthens Riyadh Air’s partnership with Airbus but also signals a bold step toward redefining premium air travel and positioning Riyadh as a global transit hub, rivaling established aviation centers like Dubai and Doha. As of May 2025, the A350 family has secured over 1,390 firm orders from more than 60 customers worldwide, with 657 aircraft in service, reflecting its reliability and appeal. For Riyadh Air, this order is a clear statement of intent to shape the future of aviation, aligning cutting-edge technology with Saudi Arabia’s vision for global connectivity and economic diversification.