Nascent Saudi Arabian carrier Riyadh Air has made a significant leap in its operational capabilities by placing firm orders for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The announcement, which took place during the Paris Air Show, also included options for an additional 25 A350-1000s, marking Riyadh Air’s commitment to becoming a key player in the international airline market by 2030.
With this latest development, Riyadh Air’s order book now boasts a total of 124 aircraft. This includes not only the A350-1000s but also 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321neo narrow-body planes. Furthermore, the airline has options for 33 additional Dreamliners, enhancing its fleet diversity and operational range.
Set to launch commercially by the end of this year, Riyadh Air recently received its air operating certificate from Saudi Arabia in April. The airline is strategically positioned as part of the Saudi government’s ambitious $800 billion tourism initiative, aimed at attracting a substantial influx of tourists and international business into a kingdom that has remained relatively closed off until now. Riyadh Air plans to connect its namesake city with over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, emphasizing its ambitions in the East-West connectivity market.
Riyadh Air aims to compete with established players such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. To distinguish itself, the airline will offer a first-class cabin on its Airbus A350-1000s, in addition to business, premium economy, and economy options. The carrier promises to integrate state-of-the-art digital features and connectivity into its fleet, including the provision of the largest business-class inflight entertainment screens available in the industry.
As Riyadh Air prepares for its official launch and aims to carve out a significant niche in the aviation market, it stands poised to reshape travel options in and out of Saudi Arabia, aligning with the country’s broader vision for a dynamic tourism sector.
