Riyadh Air Wants The A350 or 777X

Riyadh Air is scouting next-generation widebody aircraft to elevate its fleet before launching.

The upcoming Saudi Arabian carrier, which recently pushed back its launch to late 2025 due to 787 delivery delays, is eyeing 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 when required is another 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 creep up, with 2024 discussions suggesting that 2025 would be the year a decision would be made.

The airline’s fleet consists already of Airbus and Boeing jets; the latter is for the 787 Dreamliner, the first aircraft the airline ordered and is expected to be pivotal for long-term growth ambitions.

Meanwhile, a commitment to the Airbus A321neo also exists, with this single-aisle jet expected to be necessary for the airline’s more modest flying and will complement the 787.

However, a landmark purchase for the 777X or A350 would substantially elevate the fleet as the airline readies for a launch later this year, permitting no further delays.

As for the airline’s decision, this is yet to be made, with the company still assessing all available options before deciding on whether the Airbus widebody or Boeing widebody makes the most sense.

Riyadh Air Launch Delayed

Talk of a new aircraft order also follows the announcement the carrier would be delaying its launch as it struggles to acquire Boeing 787 aircraft on time.

Previously, Riyadh Air had been targeting a highly anticipated launch around the mid-way point of the 2025 calendar year, which is now being pushed back to Q3 at the earliest.

Unfortunately, given the complexities in ongoing supply chains and Boeing’s internal struggles, launching in Q3 still cannot be wholly confirmed and is given as guidance for the company.

Boeing’s production rates have dropped to all-time lows. These production rates and supply chain complexities that have resulted in parts not arriving on time have impacted Boeing’s ability to produce planes on time.

Riyadh Air will strongly rely on Boeing to produce aircraft for their long-haul operations.