Riyadh Air plans to purchase 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, including 20 larger 787-10 jets, as it accelerates plans to serve over 100 global destinations by 2030.

Just months after expanding its commercial operations, Riyadh Air has announced another major upgrade. The airline will add 28 more Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft as it prepares for rapid international growth. The deal, revealed at the Farnborough International Airshow, strengthens the airline’s long-haul fleet as it prepares to connect Saudi Arabia to more destinations worldwide.

The new deal includes an order for 11 Dreamliner aircraft that had not been announced before, along with additional jets from Riyadh Air’s 2023 Boeing agreement. Once the remaining 17 aircraft are finalized, the airline’s firm order book will reach 67 Boeing 787 aircraft.

Why is Riyadh Air adding more Dreamliners?

Riyadh Air is aiming to serve more than 100 international destinations by 2030, a target closely linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program. The strategy focuses on improving the  tourism, improving global connectivity and reducing the country’s dependence on oil revenues.

A major part of the new order involves converting 20 aircraft to the larger Boeing 787-10 variant. The model offers around 50 more seats than the 787-9 while sharing the same pilot training requirements, flight deck systems, and maintenance procedures. This commonality allows airlines to increase capacity without adding significant operational complexity.

Speaking about the expansion, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said the additional aircraft mark “another significant milestone” in the airline’s journey toward becoming a global carrier. He added that passenger feedback on the airline’s existing fleet of six Boeing 787 jets has been highly positive and that the 787-10 will help meet rising passenger and cargo demand.

Bigger aircraft, lower emissions

The Boeing 787-10 is the largest member of the Dreamliner family and is designed for efficiency as well as capacity. According to Boeing, the aircraft can reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by approximately 25% compared with older aircraft it replaces.

“The 787-10 will be a great complement to Riyadh Air’s growing fleet and advance the airline’s mission to be a world-class airline that delivers an exceptional passenger experience” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Vision 2030 drives aviation growth

Riyadh Air is expected to become a key contributor to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts. According to Business fortune, the airline estimates its operations could contribute more than $20 billion to non-oil GDP and support over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs by the end of the decade.

As its Dreamliner fleet expands, Riyadh Air is strengthening its presence in global aviation while turning Riyadh into an important international travel hub.

 

FAQs

Why did Riyadh Air order 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners?

Riyadh Air placed the additional order to support its international expansion plans and increase capacity as it aims to serve more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.

How many Boeing 787 aircraft has Riyadh Air ordered in total?

Once the remaining 17 aircraft are finalized, Riyadh Air’s firm order book will grow to 67 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

What is special about the Boeing 787-10 variant?

The Boeing 787-10 is the largest model in the Dreamliner family. It offers about 50 more seats than the 787-9 while maintaining similar pilot training and maintenance requirements.

How does the new aircraft order support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

The expanded fleet will help improve international connectivity, boost tourism, create jobs, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil.

What benefits does the Boeing 787 Dreamliner offer airlines and passengers?

The Dreamliner is known for its fuel efficiency, lower emissions, larger windows, improved cabin comfort, and advanced technology designed to enhance the passenger experience.