Riyadh Air Chooses Boeing's 787 Dreamliner for Global Launch

Riyadh Air, a new Saudi Arabian airline owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced its decision to purchase 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with an option to buy an additional 33 planes. The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to transform the country into a global aviation hub and to enhance its air transport network. The purchase is set to make Riyadh Air one of the most sustainable and efficient airlines in the world.

The deal, worth billions of dollars, is one of the biggest commercial orders in Boeing’s history. Saudi Arabian carriers have also announced their intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners, which underscores the country’s commitment to providing safe and sustainable commercial air travel while promoting tourism and business travel to Saudi Arabia. The order will be posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized.

The 787-9 Dreamliner is one of the most advanced airplanes in the world and provides the longest range of the 787 family of airplanes. The plane can fly approximately 300 passengers up to 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km) and provides additional cargo capacity. The plane’s passengers can enjoy a more comfortable flying experience with larger windows, air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag, and soothing LED lighting. Additionally, the plane features technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said, “The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of customer experience. Riyadh Air’s commitment to its customers will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience.”

Stan Deal, President, and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, “This is a significant order that will support Riyadh Air’s commitment to deliver a world-class travel experience, while supporting American aerospace manufacturing jobs at Boeing and across our supply chain. We are incredibly proud of our nearly eight decades of partnership to drive innovation and sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. Our agreement builds on that longstanding partnership and will further expand access to safe and sustainable commercial air travel for decades more.”

The purchase of 787 Dreamliners is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. The country has set an ambitious target of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030. The purchase of the 787 Dreamliner is a significant step in achieving that goal.

The 787 family of airplanes is known for delivering unmatched fuel efficiency to airline operators around the world, reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to airplanes they replace. By choosing the 787 Dreamliner, Riyadh Air is not only enhancing its operations but also contributing to a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.

Riyadh Air’s decision to purchase 39 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for an additional 33, is a significant development in Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to transform the country into a global aviation hub. The move is set to make Riyadh Air one of the most sustainable and efficient airlines in the world, while contributing to a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.