Riyadh Air To Order A350F Or 777-8F

Riyadh Air is nearing its next commercial aircraft order, but its horizons are firmly set beyond that with a focus on freighter planes.

The airline awaiting its launch is currently seeking the next-generation widebody freighter aircraft recently revealed by Airbus and Boeing to elevate its business.

When speaking with The National at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, confirmation arrived that an order for freighter planes would closely follow its upcoming passenger widebody deal, which is still being finalised.

Interestingly, the upcoming freighter purchase now carries more weight for planemakers to win, as Riyadh Air confirms that the freighter aircraft selected would be from the same series it orders its passenger planes from.

Therefore, if Riyadh Air were to purchase the Boeing 777X to elevate its commitment to wide-body flying with the American planemaker, it would likely select the 777-8F for its freight requirements, rather than the A350F.

The only way the A350F would be selected is if Riyadh Air confirmed a purchase of the A350 program for its passenger series, flying first.

A decision to stick with one planemaker and, more specifically, an aircraft family for passenger and freighter needs, is Riyadh Air responding to the need for continuity across its business.

What About Riyadh Air’s Other Order

Riyadh Air has made its intentions clear with its upcoming commercial aeroplane order, and that is its focus on the A350 or 777X to fulfil requirements.

The upcoming Saudi Arabian carrier, which recently postponed its launch to late 2025 due to delays in 787 deliveries, is considering an order for 50 additional jets.

The 50 aircraft are likely to be for what is considered to be larger long-haul jets from Airbus or Boeing, with the A350-1000 and 777X models being considered, according to Bloomberg reporting.

For Riyadh Air, securing this purchase is essential for developing its fleet moving forward, and ensuring that aircraft arrive on time is another key factor.

However, given the complications in certification for the 777X model and essential delivery slots being snagged up amid considerable delivery delays, Riyadh Air has undoubtedly faced challenges.

Reporting on the airline’s interest in a new long-haul jet has continued to intensify, with discussions in 2024 suggesting that a decision would be made in 2025.