SAUDIA and Riyadh Air seal huge Dreamliner deals with Boeing for up to 121 jets
Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) and new carrier Riyadh Air have both announced huge Dreamliner deals with Boeing.
SAUDIA will purchase up to 49 787 Dreamliners while Riyadh Air will launch its new fleet with up to 72 787-9 Dreamliners.
According to the plane manufacturer SAUDIA’s deal will include both 787-9 and 787-10 models while Riyadh Air, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), will purchase 39 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s.
SAUDIA’s agreement will see the airline purchase 39 787s, with a further option to buy 10 more in the future.
The two deals are part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub.
In total, SAUDIA and Riyadh Air announced on March 14, 2023, their intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners in what will be the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history.
“SAUDIA continues its expansion efforts in all aspects of the airline; whether it’s introducing new destinations or increasing the aircraft fleet,” His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of SAUDIA Group said. “The agreement with Boeing delivers on this commitment and the newly added aircraft will further enable SAUDIA to fulfill its strategic objective of bringing the world to the Kingdom”.
“Riyadh Air’s commitment to its customers will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience,” said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. “By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 airplanes will serve as a foundation for our worldwide operations, as we build the wider network and connect our guests to Saudi Arabia and many destinations around the world.”
SAUDIA currently operates more than 50 Boeing airplanes on its long-haul network, including the 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliner.