Riyadh Air Expands Fleet with Strategic Acquisition of Up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft

According to a recent announcement from Riyadh Air, the newly established national airline of Saudi Arabia, they have placed an order for as many as 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft during the 55th Paris Airshow.This deal includes 25 confirmed orders along wiht options for an additional 25 planes. The signing ceremony took place at Paris Le Bourget and featured key figures such as Riyadh Air’s CFO Adam Boukadida and Airbus’s EVP of Commercial Aircraft Sales, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, alongside prominent attendees like Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Riyadh Air.

The A350-1000 boasts an impressive operational range exceeding 16,000 kilometers. This capability will enable Riyadh Air to connect with distant global destinations effectively. By the year 2030, the airline aims to serve over a hundred international locations, enhancing connectivity for Riyadh—a city that plays a significant role in G20 discussions—especially ahead of major events like the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2034 and Riyadh Expo in 2030.

Opting for the Airbus A350-1000 is part of Riyadh Air’s strategy to streamline its fleet while maximizing capacity and operational efficiency. With this latest acquisition plan totaling up to 50 aircraft, they now have commitments for up to 182 planes overall and will operate three different types by their inaugural flights set for late 2025. The airline plans on offering a luxurious First-Class experience aboard these new aircraft alongside its recently unveiled Business Class offerings.

“Our national carrier is gearing up to launch soon,” stated Yasir Al-Rumayyan. “As a vital component of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure growth strategy, we aim to link our capital with over one hundred international destinations by the end of this decade.” He emphasized that adding the A350-1000 enhances Saudi Arabia’s position as a pivotal player in global aviation.

“We’re making strides toward our first flight later this year,” remarked Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. “Securing this agreement reflects our commitment and ambition.” He noted that by early next year they expect their Airline Operating Certificate (AOC) while also showcasing their innovative cabin designs—key steps towards achieving their extensive network objectives aimed at creating around two hundred thousand jobs within Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

“Supporting Riyadh Air’s vision with our state-of-the-art A350-1000 aligns perfectly with both companies’ goals towards innovation and sustainability,” commented Christian Scherer from Airbus. He highlighted how this partnership emphasizes delivering remarkable passenger experiences while adhering closely to Vision 2030 initiatives focused on modernization.

Aiming high within the industry landscape, Riyadh Air plans on integrating cutting-edge digital technologies into its fleet which promises top-tier guest experiences through advanced cabin designs coupled with modern entertainment systems onboard.

The launch of Riyadh Air fits seamlessly into PIF’s broader strategy aimed at tapping into promising sectors domestically which supports economic diversification efforts across various industries including tourism—inviting travelers worldwide to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage while positioning itself as an essential business hub globally.