Riyadh Air Orders The Airbus A350-1000

Riyadh Air has confirmed its order for the Airbus A350 at the 2025 Paris Air Show.

The firm contract includes a deal for 25 of the A350-1000 jets, the largest model in the series, which enables high-capacity flying.

A decision from the upcoming Saudi Arabia-based carrier also sees it snub Boeing and the 777X, with this the other type which was in contention for a long-documented widebody order.

The agreement, which includes the purchase of 25 firm aircraft from the program, can also be further increased to up to 50 Airbus A350-1000s in due course.

Riyadh Air will, thanks to this purchase, become the first airline in Saudi Arabia to fly the A350-1000, and the purchase further aligns with the Vision 2030 ambition.

This vision, which has been at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s recent investments in its aviation sector, aims to see 300 million air passengers annually achieved by the end of the 2020s, allowing for solid passenger growth by the 2030s and beyond.

If this can be achieved, Saudi Arabia would be positioned as one of the leading not only aviation hubs in the world but also tourism hotspots, something that is currently being worked on.

Riyadh Air has therefore been seeking a new high-capacity aircraft model to help elevate its future long-haul operations, and the latest purchase is seen as a true reflection of the ambition that has been present since the company’s inception.

Who Are Riyadh Air?

Riyadh Air remains one of the more ambitious airline launches across recent history. Unveiled by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of plans to boost the economy, the future of this airline is bright.

Former Etihad Airways executive Tony Douglas backs the airline, and his position is only strengthened by a team that has substantial industry experience.

Despite initial business forecasting that focused on a premium service with widebodies, Riyadh Air has since evolved and sought to broaden its horizons with a more balanced fleet.

Additionally, the carrier has rejected claims that it would look to rival Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, which are considered the big three in the Middle East and occupy the majority of the market share.

Instead, Riyadh Air was described in 2023 as a start-up with great potential across niche markets. Travel across niche markets and to established international cities is all on the radar as the carrier prepares for its launch.

Unfortunately, the launch of Riyadh Air has been delayed on several occasions; these delays are driven by the airline’s inability to acquire next-generation planes on time, due to supply chain struggles.

The company’s future fleet will comprise 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with options for additional units available should they be activated.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Air has also placed orders for the Airbus A321neo; 60 jets have been secured with this state-of-the-art single aisle to complement the 787 and the A350-1000 purchase.