Riyadh Air Orders 28 More Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Boeing 787 Dreamliners to Support Riyadh Air Fleet Expansion

Riyadh Air has exercised options to purchase 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners, expanding its long-term fleet plans. The agreement also includes the conversion of 20 aircraft to the larger 787-10 variant.

The announcement includes a previously undisclosed order for 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Once the remaining 17 aircraft are finalized, Riyadh Air’s total firm order for the 787 programme will increase to 67 aircraft.

The airline said the additional aircraft will support its plan to operate flights to more than 100 international destinations by 2030, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy.

Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Air, said the latest order will help the airline meet growing passenger and cargo demand while providing greater operational flexibility as it expands its international network.

By operating both the Boeing 787-9 and 787-10, Riyadh Air expects to benefit from common pilot training, maintenance procedures and flight deck systems, helping improve operational efficiency across its fleet.

Stephanie Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the additional order reflects Riyadh Air’s continued investment in the 787 programme as it expands its operations.

The Boeing 787-10 offers around 50 more seats than the 787-9 and is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 25% compared with the aircraft it replaces.

Riyadh Air said the expanded fleet will strengthen connectivity between Riyadh and international markets while supporting the Kingdom’s aviation and economic development plans under Vision 2030.

Wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air expects its expansion to support job creation and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy over the coming years.

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