Riyadh Air, the new Saudi Arabian carrier backed by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has placed a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a critical step in building its long-haul, full-service fleet. The agreement includes the option to increase the order to 50 aircraft, showcasing the airline’s ambitious growth trajectory.
Riyadh Air, the new Saudi Arabian carrier backed by the Public Investment Fund, is expected to announce a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft during the upcoming Paris Airshow. The move marks a significant step in the airline’s high-profile fleet acquisition strategy ahead of its planned launch.
Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for strategic cooperation. The agreement aims to enhance travel options for passengers traveling between Saudi Arabia and Europe, as well as other global destinations served by the two carriers.
Airbus is intensifying its efforts to secure new aircraft orders as it looks ahead to the Paris Air Show scheduled for mid-June 2025. The European aerospace giant is focusing on winning commitments for its A350 widebody aircraft, targeting key Gulf carriers Riyadh Air from Saudi Arabia and Etihad from the United Arab Emirates.
Riyadh Air is positioning itself to take advantage of escalating trade tensions between the United States and China by expressing readiness to purchase Boeing aircraft originally intended for Chinese airlines. According to CEO Tony Douglas, the Saudi Arabian startup carrier is prepared to move quickly should these aircraft become available, a strategic decision aimed at accelerating Riyadh Air’s ambitious growth plans.
Riyadh Air, the ambitious new national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has achieved a key regulatory milestone with the issuance of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). This official approval authorizes the airline to commence commercial flight operations, marking the operational launch phase of one of the kingdom’s most high-profile aviation ventures.
Riyadh Air is currently in negotiations with Boeing and Airbus to order up to 50 additional widebody aircraft, with both the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777X under consideration. The order would support the airline’s ambitious expansion plans as it works toward establishing Saudi Arabia as a key global aviation hub.
Riyadh Air (Saudi Arabia) is gearing up for the arrival of its first Boeing 787-9, identified by serial number 41544. The leased aircraft is a significant addition to Riyadh Air’s growing fleet and will initially be utilized as a technical spare and for crew training purposes.
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s emerging national carrier, has secured over 2,500 slots at King Khalid International Airport (RUH). This milestone aligns with the airline’s ambitious strategy to establish Riyadh as a global aviation hubby 2030, a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative.
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, is reportedly working towards finalizing a major aircraft acquisition involving the Boeing B777X or the Airbus A350-1000 by the second quarter of 2025. This potential fleet expansion was disclosed by CEO Tony Douglas, who emphasized Riyadh Air’s commitment to establishing a modern, long-haul fleet capable of meeting future growth objectives.
