This article is published in Aviation Daily part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Aug 24, 2026. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
FARNBOROUGH, England—Riyadh Air has exercised options for 28 Boeing 787-9s while converting some to the family’s larger variant and firmed a commitment for six additional Airbus A350-1000s.
The additional 787s exercise most of the options from Riyadh’s 787-9 order placed in 2023. Twenty have now been converted to 787-10s. Finalizing 17 remaining options would bring firm orders for the type to 67, Riyadh said. Its announcement, made here at Farnborough Airshow, includes a previously unidentified purchase of 11 of the type.
“The commitment to firm up an additional 28 787 Dreamliners and introduce the 787-10 marks another significant milestone in Riyadh Air's journey toward over 100 international destinations by 2030,” Riyadh CEO Tony Douglas said. “The addition of the 787-10 strengthens our ability to accommodate growing passenger and cargo demand while providing the operational flexibility required to support our ambitious network plans.”
Also supporting the carrier’s planned growth trajectory will be a fleet of A350-1000s. Riyadh has now firmed an order for another six, increasing its total firm commitment for the type to 31. In 2025, it announced a commitment for up to 50.
"Increasing our A350-1000 commitment to 31 aircraft strengthens the foundation of our future network and supports our ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030,” CFO Adam Boukadida said.
The orderbook additions come shortly after the Saudi startup's launch of full operations. It currently operates a fleet of six 787-9s, according to Aviation Week’s Fleet Discovery database. Riyadh also has existing orders for 60 A321neos, Fleet Discovery shows.
Related Content
