Riyadh Air drops 777X, orders 25 A350-1000s
A new carrier with global ambitions, Riyadh Air has confirmed its forecasts by ordering 25 A350-1000s, the large-passenger variant of Airbus’ widebody.
The deal is more extensive and includes an additional 25 optional aircraft. The companies did not disclose a delivery schedule.
The option for the A350 comes after Riyadh Air also considered the Boeing 777X, which offers superior performance but is behind schedule.
The state-owned airline, which is set to launch flights from its Riyadh hub, has already acquired 60 A321neo and 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
“This order marks a significant step forward in building a world-class airline that reflects the ambitions of Vision 2030. The A350-1000 will bring outstanding efficiency and comfort to our fleet, supporting our sustainability goals and enabling Riyadh Air to offer a premium experience while connecting Saudi Arabia to the world,” said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air.
“We are proud to extend our strategic partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.
Airbus brought the first A321neo in Riyadh Air livery to Le Bourget, following a strategy similar to that of Boeing, which also unveiled a 787 in the airline’s livery two years ago.
Riyadh Air has yet to reveal its destinations for now.
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