Paris, July 14 - Riyadh Air isn’t wasting any time. The new Saudi premium airline is eyeing another 25 to 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and might pick up more Airbus widebodies, according to people in the industry. This comes right after their big 2023 order of 72 Dreamliners, with 39 locked in and 33 more as options. As Riyadh Air gets its first flights going, this rush for more planes shows how serious they are about building a long-haul network and hitting those Saudi Vision 2030 aviation targets. There’s talk they’ll announce new Boeing orders at upcoming airshows, which would really put them on the global map.
The airline, backed by the Public Investment Fund, wants to make Riyadh a go-to connecting point, with over 100 destinations by 2030. They're not just sticking to one manufacturer either. Riyadh Air has already signed for 25 Airbus A350-1000s and 60 A321neos. Spreading out orders like this means they get more flexibility, better fuel savings, and can promise a better ride to passengers, whether it’s a short hop or a marathon flight. More Dreamliners in the fleet means they’re gearing up for some serious long-haul traffic.
People who watch the industry say this is exactly what Riyadh Air needs if they want to grow fast. They've already started getting their first 787-9s. Chasing these modern widebody jets fits right in with the spike in travel demand and Saudi Arabia’s push to boost tourism and diversify the economy. If they firm up all their Boeing options, that’s a strong sign that the airline and the country are doubling down on their aviation plans.
Gulf carriers are stepping up their game, and Riyadh Air is clearly leaning in. Their focus on both Boeing and Airbus shows they’re all-in on making their fleet newer, bigger, and more efficient. It’s good news for Saudi aviation and for anyone who wants better global connections, modern planes, and more sustainable flying from a fast-growing region.
