Riyadh Air Prepares for First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Arrival
Saudi startup airline Riyadh Air has announced the imminent arrival of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s fleet expansion plans. The leased aircraft, adorned in Riyadh Air’s distinctive pearl livery, will be showcased at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) on January 9, 2025.
The new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will serve as a technical spare and be utilized for training purposes in the coming months, according to the airline’s statement. While the aircraft boasts a high-specification interior, it will not feature the latest cabin designs offered by other airlines.
This aircraft is not part of Riyadh Air’s original order of 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners placed in March 2023. The initial order included 39 confirmed aircraft, with an option to acquire an additional 33 wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The addition of this leased Dreamliner is a strategic move to facilitate the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and ensure operational readiness for the airline’s anticipated launch later in 2025.
In November 2024, Riyadh Air confirmed plans to re-enter negotiations with leading aircraft manufacturers to secure further widebody aircraft. This initiative supports the airline’s ambitious goal to expand its fleet to over 200 aircraft in the coming years. Currently, Riyadh Air is evaluating both the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A350-1000 wide-bodied twin-engine jets, aiming to finalize a new deal involving either model in the first or second quarter of 2025.
Riyadh Air is poised to commence its commercial flights in 2025. Despite not having operated a single revenue service yet, the airline has already attracted considerable interest and recognition within the commercial aviation industry. The strategic fleet expansion and partnerships with major aircraft manufacturers underscore Riyadh Air’s commitment to establishing itself as a key player in the global aviation market.
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Julie Kitcher, Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications, added, “At Airbus, we pioneer sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. With Delta, we are redefining the future of aviation. By leveraging our combined expertise, we are accelerating groundbreaking innovations—from advancing cutting-edge flight techniques to scaling up the production of renewable fuels (SAF). Together, we are addressing today’s challenges and shaping a more connected, lower carbon future for generations of travelers to come.”
As Riyadh Air moves forward with its fleet modernization and operational strategies, the airline is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for safe and efficient air travel. The introduction of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a testament to Riyadh Air’s dedication to leveraging advanced aviation technologies to enhance passenger experience and operational excellence.
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