Riyadh Air Firms Up Order for 6 Additional Airbus A350-1000s, Bringing Total to 31

Saudi Arabia – Riyadh Air, the Saudi startup international carrier wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has firmed up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow on 20 July 2026, increasing its total firm commitment for the type to 31 aircraft under its original 2025 framework agreement covering up to 50 A350-1000s.

• Riyadh Air will be the first airline in Saudi Arabia to operate the A350-1000.
• The airline has 60 Airbus A321 aircraft on order alongside the 31 firm A350-1000s and 67 firm 787s, totalling 158 aircraft on firm order plus 19 remaining A350-1000 options and remaining 787 options.
• Riyadh Air commenced commercial operations in June 2026 and has taken delivery of six Boeing 787-9s since early June 2026.
• The airline targets more than 100 international destinations by 2030 as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aligned with the National Aviation Strategy targeting 330 million annual passengers, 4.5 million tons of air cargo capacity, and connectivity to more than 250 destinations by 2030.
• The A350 family has won 1,595 firm orders from 68 customers worldwide as of end June 2026; the A350 is designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 km) non-stop.
• AFM previously reported Riyadh Air's concurrent 28-aircraft Boeing 787 order at Farnborough (including 20 conversions to the 787-10 variant), bringing the airline's firm 787 count to 67 once remaining paperwork is finalised.

Statements

• "The firm-up of these additional aircraft reflects Riyadh Air's continued confidence in its growth trajectory and in the future of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. Increasing our A350-1000 commitment to 31 aircraft strengthens the foundation of our future network and supports our ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030 while delivering a premium guest experience," said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air.
• "We are proud to deepen our partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom. This additional A350-1000 commitment reflects the airline's confidence in the aircraft's exceptional efficiency, range and passenger appeal. As Riyadh Air advances its ambitious growth plans, the A350-1000 will play an important role in supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives and helping position the Kingdom as a leading international aviation hub," said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

Source: Riyadh Air and Airbus