Riyadh Air has ordered 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft as part of its strategy to build a premium international airline and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. The deal, signed at the Paris Air Show, marks a major milestone for the newly launched carrier and could expand to 50 aircraft under the current agreement.
This move positions Riyadh Air as the first Saudi airline to operate the A350-1000, Airbus’s long-range flagship widebody aircraft. It also highlights the Kingdom’s push to transform its aviation landscape by reaching 300 million air passengers annually by the end of the decade. The order reflects both the airline’s ambition to become a global leader and Saudi Arabia’s wider economic diversification efforts.
A Strategic Step Toward Vision 2030
The aircraft deal was formalized during a ceremony attended by key figures including H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, and Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. It represents a strong commitment to Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s national roadmap to transform sectors such as tourism, transport, and sustainability.
According to Adam Boukadida, Riyadh Air’s Chief Financial Officer, the A350-1000 will play a key role in providing exceptional efficiency and onboard comfort. “It’s a clear signal of our intent to shape the future of air travel,” he said, emphasizing the airline’s premium service approach and alignment with the Kingdom’s sustainability goals.
Why the A350-1000 Matters
The Airbus A350-1000 is known for its ultra-long-range capability, low fuel consumption, and advanced passenger comfort features. It can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and is expected to be 100% SAF-compatible by 2030, aligning with global aviation decarbonization efforts.
With this order, Riyadh Air gains access to the most modern and efficient widebody aircraft in service, allowing it to connect Saudi Arabia with key destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Aircraft Order Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Model | Airbus A350-1000 |
| Firm Orders | 25 aircraft |
| Potential Extension | Up to 50 aircraft |
| Order Announcement | Paris Air Show, June 2025 |
| Delivery Timeline | To be confirmed |
Airbus and Riyadh Air Strengthen Ties
The deal is part of a growing partnership between Airbus and Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales for Commercial Aircraft, described the A350-1000 as the “ideal choice” for Riyadh Air’s global ambitions. “It offers unrivalled efficiency and range,” he said, noting how the aircraft supports Saudi Arabia’s plan to become a global aviation hub.
At the end of May 2025, the Airbus A350 family had secured more than 1,390 firm orders from over 60 customers worldwide. Of these, 657 aircraft are already in service, flying both long and short-haul routes.
Photo credit: Airbus 2025
