Air TransportRiyadh Air Shares Images of Its First Boeing 787
New global carrier Riyadh Air has finally unveiled the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which will be used on its routes starting later this year.
The widebody is undergoing final assembly at the North Charleston, South Carolina, plant and has already been partially painted for the Saudi carrier.
Riyadh Air did not reveal a delivery date, but stated that it should be soon. Before flying to Saudi Arabia, the 787 will undergo ground and flight tests.
Two Previous Boeing 787s
The 787-9 off the assembly line is the third of its kind to receive the Riyadh Air livery, although it is the first to actually enter service.
This is because the airline displayed a first aircraft in 2023, which served as a launch announcement and appeared at the Paris Air Show that year.
This aircraft was later transferred to Ethiopian Airlines, where it currently flies.
Another 787-9 Dreamliner was leased by Riyadh Air earlier this year after operating with Oman Air. The widebody, registration HZ-RXX, was used solely for the Air Operator’s Certificate process and for crew training.
Riyadh Air has a firm order for 39 Boeing 787-9s, plus 33 purchase options. Additionally, Airbus will supply 60 A321neos and 25 A350-1000s, the latter from an order announced in June.
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