Riyadh Air Weighs Order for up to 30 More Boeing 787s, Sources Say

Riyadh Air, the new Saudi Arabian national carrier, is studying a significant expansion of its widebody fleet by exercising options for 25 to 30 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners and potentially increasing its Airbus A350 commitments, according to industry sources. An announcement could be made as early as next week's Farnborough Airshow.

Boeing Deal in Focus

The potential order would convert a substantial portion of the 33 options Riyadh Air holds for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner. This follows a landmark agreement in 2023 where the airline placed a firm order for 39 of the long-haul jets.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that while details are still under discussion, a formal announcement is being considered for the upcoming airshow, a major industry event for securing new aircraft deals. Both Riyadh Air and Boeing declined to comment on the reports.

Airbus Options Also Weighed

In addition to the potential Boeing deal, the carrier is also said to be evaluating its Airbus order book. Riyadh Air currently has 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft on firm order, along with options for another 25 jets.

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Industry sources suggest that some of these A350 options could also be converted into firm purchases, further bolstering the airline's long-haul capabilities. Airbus also declined to provide a comment.

Market Context and Implications

A large follow-on order would underscore the ambitious growth strategy of Riyadh Air, which is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and aims to become a major global aviation player. The airline operated its first commercial revenue flight just last month.

Confirming these orders would represent a major commercial victory for the planemakers and signal strong confidence in the long-term outlook for international travel from the Middle East. It would also intensify competition among the region's super-connector airlines.