Riyadh Air Orders Up to 50 Airbus A350-1000s at Paris Air Show 2025
Saudi Arabian startup Riyadh Air has finalized a major order for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the 2025 Paris Air Show, reinforcing its ambitious growth plans ahead of its commercial launch later this year. The agreement includes 25 firm orders with purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft, expanding Riyadh Air’s total order book to 182 aircraft.
The deal was signed at Paris Le Bourget on June 16, 2025, during a ceremony attended by Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, CFO Adam Boukadida, Airbus EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Riyadh Air Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and Airbus CEO of Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer.
Riyadh Air selected the A350-1000 to optimize fleet efficiency and capacity while minimizing fleet complexity. The carrier aims to serve over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030 as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy. Tony Douglas highlighted that the airline has already secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and unveiled its cabin interiors, positioning Riyadh Air to meet its rapid growth targets.
The airline expects to create 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute nearly $20 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP. Airbus CEO Christian Scherer called the order an “honor,” noting the A350-1000’s advanced capabilities and premium passenger experience.
The Airbus A350-1000 can currently operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus targeting 100% SAF capability by 2030. Riyadh Air’s full fleet orders include Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A321neos.
Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/, https://airguide.info/?s=Riyadh Air
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airbus.com