Riyadh Air has ordered 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, strengthening its long term expansion plans as the Saudi Arabian carrier works towards serving more than 100 international destinations by 2030. The agreement includes the exercise of options from the airline’s 2023 order, the conversion of 20 aircraft to the larger Boeing 787-10 variant, and the disclosure of a previously unidentified purchase of 11 Dreamliners.
Once the remaining 17 aircraft are finalised, Riyadh Air will hold firm orders for 67 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The announcement was made jointly by the airline and Boeing during the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.
The latest agreement marks another major investment by the airline as it accelerates fleet growth following the recent launch of full commercial operations. Riyadh Air currently operates six Boeing 787 aircraft and plans to expand rapidly over the coming years as part of the Kingdom’s broader aviation ambitions.
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said the latest order represents another important milestone for the airline.
“The commitment to firm up an additional 28 787 Dreamliners and introduce the 787-10 marks another significant milestone in Riyadh Air’s journey towards over 100 international destinations by 2030, a key part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions,” said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.
He added: “Following the recent launch of full operations, guests have been hugely impressed with the Riyadh Air experience onboard our current fleet of six Boeing 787 jets. 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.”
The order includes the conversion of 20 aircraft from the smaller 787-9 model to the larger 787-10, giving the airline additional seating capacity while maintaining fleet commonality. Operating both variants allows pilots, engineers and maintenance teams to share training, procedures and systems, improving operational efficiency across the network.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner family is designed for long haul routes and incorporates features intended to improve passenger comfort. These include larger cabin windows, higher cabin humidity, lower cabin altitude and advanced turbulence sensing technology.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, welcomed the expanded commitment from the airline.
“We are delighted to see Riyadh Air flying their new 787 airplanes in commercial service and we are deeply honored they are placing orders for additional 787 Dreamliner aircraft to support their future,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
She added: “The 787-10 will be a great complement to Riyadh Air’s growing fleet and advance the airline’s mission to be a world-class airline that delivers an exceptional passenger experience.”
The 787-10 is the largest member of the Dreamliner family and offers around 50 more seats than the 787-9. According to Boeing, the aircraft also reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 25% compared with the older generation aircraft it replaces, supporting airlines seeking greater efficiency and lower operating costs.
The expanded fleet is expected to provide the capacity needed for Riyadh Air to connect Saudi Arabia’s capital with 100 destinations worldwide by the end of the decade. The airline forms a central part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s programme to diversify its economy beyond oil through sectors including tourism, aviation and logistics.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air is expected to play a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s economic development. The airline estimates that by 2030 it will generate more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs while contributing more than SAR 75 billion, equivalent to around US$20 billion, to the country’s non-oil gross domestic product.
The latest Dreamliner order further strengthens the long standing relationship between Riyadh Air and Boeing, while providing the aircraft needed to support the airline’s ambitious international expansion plans over the remainder of the decade.
