TLDR:
Riyadh Air weighs Boeing, Airbus
Large wide-body jet order planned
Final decision by early next year
RIYADH (The Thursday Times) — Saudi Arabia’s emerging national airline, Riyadh Air, is on the cusp of a new and expansive jet order decision. Already boasting a substantial fleet acquisition of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, the carrier is now focusing on a choice between the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A350-1000. This decision, expected in early 2025, signals the airline’s ambitious plan to grow rapidly in the competitive Middle Eastern aviation sector.
Riyadh Air, a fresh entrant in Saudi Arabia’s aviation market, has made waves with its extensive purchase strategy. With backing from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, the airline envisions a fleet exceeding 200 aircraft, aiming to establish itself as a major player in global travel and commerce. Last year’s acquisition of 39 Boeing 787s, with options for 33 more, was one of the first moves in this bold strategy, followed by a significant order of 60 Airbus A321neo-family aircraft just last week.
Eyeing the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350-1000
In the high-stakes decision for wide-body jets, Riyadh Air is evaluating two industry giants: Boeing’s 777X and Airbus’s A350-1000. This selection process, anticipated to conclude in the first half of 2025, is part of Riyadh Air’s strategy to fill long-haul and high-capacity routes, where efficient, large aircraft are essential. According to CEO Tony Douglas, formal talks are set to start within the next two months.
Industry analysts speculate that the 777X’s advanced features and long-haul capacity could align well with Riyadh Air’s aims to connect Saudi Arabia with distant international markets, while the A350-1000 offers competitive fuel efficiency and operational flexibility.
Airbus A321neo acquisition brings opportunities
The recent addition of 60 Airbus A321neo jets, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2030, is a strategic move to access new routes and mid-capacity markets. These aircraft provide Riyadh Air with versatility, particularly on routes lacking sufficient demand for larger aircraft like the 787-9. The A321neo, a popular choice among airlines, gives Riyadh Air a competitive edge on regional and international routes that may not yet warrant larger capacity but have growth potential.
While Riyadh Air has not specified which version of the A321neo it will adopt, the likelihood of including long-range models points to the airline’s intent to enhance connectivity across diverse markets. Industry sources reveal that this transaction with Airbus included complexities related to delivery slots previously allocated to other airlines, which have now opened up due to order restructurings.
Vision for Riyadh Air’s growth
As one of the fastest-growing airlines in the sector, Riyadh Air is determined to leverage its fleet to capture a significant share of the market. With strategic aircraft purchases tailored to varying capacity needs, the airline envisions a route network that spans the globe, effectively positioning Saudi Arabia as a major transit hub. This growth aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy and expand tourism.
The addition of single-aisle A321neos enables Riyadh Air to serve routes that larger wide-body aircraft would economically burden. Douglas emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency and market-specific aircraft use, suggesting that the airline’s approach will prioritise both financial viability and expansive market reach.
