Riyadh Air to Place Order for New Widebody 787-10 or A350-900 by 2025

Saudi Arabia’s new airline startup, Riyadh Air, is making waves online as it strategically positions itself to capture a significant share of the airline industry.

Recently, it made headlines with a massive aircraft order, but now it’s once again evaluating its next big move.

After securing dozens of Boeing and Airbus planes, the airline is looking to finalize a deal for the industry’s largest twin-aisle jets early next year, according to its CEO.

Riyadh Air is now focusing on larger wide-body aircraft that can accommodate more passengers while offering enhanced comfort.

The airline is considering both the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A350-1000, with a decision expected in the first or second quarter of 2025, CEO Tony Douglas told Reuters.

Last year, Riyadh Air placed an order for 39 Boeing 787 wide-body jets, with options for an additional 33, as part of a broader agreement involving the national carrier Saudia. Just last week, the airline added a firm order for 60 Airbus A321neo-family aircraft.

Currently, Riyadh Air is eyeing larger aircraft similar to the A321neo, which competes with the larger variant of the Boeing 737 MAX.

However, due to Airbus’s significant backlog for the A321neo, delivery times could stretch up to 5-7 years. Despite this, the airline is open to waiting for future aircraft deliveries, according to its CEO.

For long-range operations, the Airbus A350-900 seems like a strong contender, as it can accommodate up to 440 passengers in an all-economy configuration.

However, as Riyadh Air plans to operate as a full-service carrier, it will likely opt for a two- or three-class configuration with 300-350 seats. A similar fleet configuration to Emirates could also be a possibility.

In line with its existing order for Boeing 787s, the Boeing 787-10 model, which can seat up to 336 passengers in a two-class configuration and around 300 in a three-class configuration, is another option under consideration.

It’s confirmed that the new wide-body order in 2025 will have around 300 seats, making either the A350-900 or the 787-10 a strong choice.

The delayed delivery of the Boeing 777X, with no aircraft expected to be delivered until 2026, could impact Riyadh Air’s plans. Rather than waiting for the 777X, the airline may opt for the 787 or A350, which would be a more reliable option in the short term.