Hamburg, June 10 - An Airbus A321XLR test plane, F-WWBZ, has been seen in Riyadh Air's complete colors before the Paris Air Show 2025 (June 16-22). This marks a notable achievement for both Airbus and the new Saudi Arabian airline. This striking display marks a pivotal moment for the Saudi carrier, which is gearing up for its commercial launch later in 2025, and underscores a collaborative effort between Airbus and Riyadh Air to promote the innovative long-haul, single-aisle aircraft to a global audience. The aircraft, freshly painted at Airbus’s Hamburg-Finkenwerder facility, showcases Riyadh Air’s signature pearl-white fuselage, bold titles across the window line, a black cockpit window mask, and a gradient of lilac and purple sweeping across the rear, culminating in a dark tailfin featuring the airline’s distinctive circled-R emblem. This design mirrors the aesthetic previously seen on a Boeing 787-9, which Riyadh Air currently uses for pilot training, crew familiarization, and technical readiness checks, signaling a consistent brand identity across its future fleet.
.gif)
The A321XLR, part of Airbus’s test fleet and not destined for customer delivery, represents a strategic partnership between the European planemaker and the Saudi startup. Airbus’s decision to feature this aircraft in Riyadh Air’s livery at the Paris Air Show highlights the carrier’s importance as a key customer and offers a platform to demonstrate the A321XLR’s capabilities. The aircraft, an evolution of the A321neo, boasts a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, enabling airlines to connect secondary cities directly without relying on hub-and-spoke models traditionally served by widebody jets. This flexibility aligns perfectly with Riyadh Air’s ambitions to serve over 100 destinations by 2030, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to transform Riyadh into a global aviation hub. The airline’s order book already exceeds 130 aircraft, including a confirmed order for 60 A321neo jets, announced at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh on October 30, 2024, alongside an existing commitment for 72 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This dual-fleet strategy positions Riyadh Air to efficiently operate both regional and long-haul routes from its base at King Khalid International Airport.
Riyadh Air’s emergence comes at a time of rapid transformation in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. Having secured its Air Operator Certificate from the General Authority of Civil Aviation in April 2025, the airline is now cleared to commence passenger services. The A321XLR, with its efficiency and extended range, will play a crucial role in opening non-stop services to key medium-haul markets across the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Europe, complementing the widebody Boeing 787-9s for longer international routes. Speculation also surrounds a potential widebody order, with reports indicating Riyadh Air is evaluating the Airbus A350-1000 to bolster its long-haul growth, possibly introducing a first-class cabin to differentiate its premium offering. While no deal has been finalized, an announcement may coincide with the Paris Air Show, further amplifying the event’s significance.
The showcase of the A321XLR in Riyadh Air’s livery is a bold statement of intent. For Airbus, it provides a high-profile stage to highlight the aircraft’s potential to reshape single-aisle travel, while for Riyadh Air, it builds visibility and momentum ahead of its operational debut. As the airline prepares to compete with regional giants like Emirates, Saudia, and Etihad, this striking visual representation of its brand on a cutting-edge aircraft signals Saudi Arabia’s ambition to redefine its role in global aviation. The Paris Air Show 2025 promises to be a defining moment, blending innovation, strategy, and a vision for the future of air travel.