Riyadh Air To Order Boeing 737 MAX

Riyadh Air is reportedly set to order the 737 MAX on the eve of the 2023 Dubai Airshow, per Bloomberg.

A Commitment To The 737 MAX

A deal for the 737 MAX isn’t uncommon knowledge. Ultimately, the airline has been eyeing a purchase of the series for some time.

However, with the 2023 Dubai Airshow approaching and the spotlight on the Middle East, Riyadh Air executives see it as the perfect time to move forward.

Riyadh Air will display a Boeing-owned 787 Dreamliner at the show as it gears up for a 2025 launch.

A deal for the 737 MAX is likely to consist of up to 100 units. However, the specifics of the variants remain to be seen.

Two variants of the 737 MAX series, the -7 and -10, remain uncertified. This is despite a considerable backlog and carriers awaiting the aircraft’s services.

Riyadh Air’s Commitment To Boeing

As part of a deal with Boeing for the 737 MAX, the Saudi Arabian-based carrier will solidify its commitment to the plane maker.

At launch, Riyadh Air will operate an all-Boeing fleet. This follows the announcement of up to 72 Boeing 787 jets earlier in the year. This included firm orders and options.

The Boeing 787s will form the backbone of the airline’s long-haul operation. It’ll likely be the first aircraft type the airline flies when it launches.

Who Are Riyadh Air?

Riyadh Air is an ambitious carrier slated to launch services from Saudi Arabia in 2025.

The airline’s conception and launch are part of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to grow the country into a leading travel destination by 2030.

Riyadh Air will complement the existing Saudia and serve markets worldwide. As a secondary flag carrier, it’ll utilise Riyadh as its base.

The airline has targeted 100 destinations worldwide, with no limit on where it will fly. This could see the airline operating from Riyadh to cities in North America and Oceania.