Saudia Transports Retired Boeing 777s to Riyadh by Road

In an extraordinary feat of logistics, Saudia has transported three large, retired Boeing 777 aircraft over 850 kilometers from Jeddah to Riyadh by road.

These planes, each over 25 years old, were moved on oversized trucks after having their wings, fuselages, and key components removed. Their destination is the Boulevard Runway zone, part of the highly anticipated Riyadh Season 2024, where they will serve as interactive spaces for aircraft-themed entertainment.

Rather than flying the retired jets on the short route between the two cities, Saudia opted for an ambitious overland journey. The move was captured on social media platform X, where photos revealed the nearly intact fuselages being craned onto large trailers.

Each aircraft, equivalent in length to 13 Camry 2025 cars placed end-to-end, and wider than three cars side by side, posed significant challenges during transport. The height of the planes, over six meters tall, combined with the trucks’ size, required taking a longer route to avoid overpasses with low clearance.

The 530-mile road journey marked the beginning of a second life for these retired aircraft. Once destined for scrapping, the Boeing 777s will now be repurposed as part of the Boulevard Runway experience, featuring five world-class restaurants and aviation-themed entertainment attractions. This unique project is a collaboration between Saudia and Riyadh Season, aimed at creating an innovative cultural experience in Riyadh.

This bold initiative also reflects Saudia’s commitment to sustainability. By transforming these retired jets into entertainment spaces, the airline is reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact associated with scrapping aircraft.

Reusing the planes as part of Riyadh’s entertainment hub is a creative solution that underscores Saudia’s dedication to environmental responsibility.

As Saudia replaces its aging fleet with modern aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ERs and the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, these repurposed Boeing 777s are a reminder of the airline’s focus on innovation, culture, and sustainability.