Riyadh Air Leases First Boeing 787-9 from AviLease Ahead of Launch

Riyadh Air has finalized a lease agreement with Saudi-owned aircraft lessor AviLease for a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking the first leasing partnership for the new Saudi carrier. Delivery of the aircraft is expected in the final quarter of 2025, ahead of Riyadh Air’s full commercial launch.

“We are pleased to complete our first aircraft lease with AviLease as we continue building a young, fuel-efficient fleet ahead of our commercial launch,” said Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air. “The Boeing 787 will play a key role in delivering a world-class travel experience for our future guests.”

The announcement comes shortly after Riyadh Air operated its maiden passenger flight on October 26, 2025, flying from Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) to London Heathrow (LHR). That flight used a Boeing 787-9 temporarily leased from Oman Air and carried staff from Riyadh Air and the Public Investment Fund, the airline’s sole shareholder.

AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne said the partnership aligns with the company’s mission to support the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. “Becoming Riyadh Air’s first leasing partner highlights the trust placed in AviLease and reinforces our position as a strategic enabler of the Kingdom’s aviation ambitions,” he said.

Riyadh Air has placed significant aircraft orders as part of its long-term growth plan, including 60 Airbus A321neos, 25 Airbus A350-1000s, and 39 Boeing 787-9s. The first direct delivery to the airline is expected before the end of 2025.

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