Riyadh Air Expands Fleet With Purchase Of 50 Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft At Paris Air Show

Riyadh Air, a new national airline of Saudi Arabia and part of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has made a significant move by ordering 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. This announcement was made during the 55th annual Paris Air Show. The deal includes 25 confirmed orders with an option for 25 more planes.

The agreement was formalised at Le Bourget Airport. Riyadh Air's chief financial officer, Adam Boukadida, and Airbus executive vice president for sales, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, signed the contract. Present were PIF Governor and Riyadh Air chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, and Airbus CEO of commercial aircraft Christian Scherer.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan highlighted that the new airline will soon begin operations. "Our new national carrier is set to launch in the near future and represents a key component of the Kingdom’s infrastructure," he stated. By 2030, Riyadh will be linked to over 100 global destinations.

The inclusion of the Airbus A350-1000 in Riyadh Air's fleet strengthens Saudi Arabia's role as a major aviation centre. The airline plans to lead with advanced digital features and offer top-tier travel experiences through state-of-the-art cabin designs and next-generation entertainment systems.

The creation of Riyadh Air aligns with PIF’s strategy to tap into promising sectors within Saudi Arabia, aiding economic diversification. The airline will play a crucial role in achieving the goals of both the National Aviation Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy.

Riyadh Air aims to facilitate global access to Saudi Arabia’s beautiful natural and cultural sites. It will also enhance Riyadh’s status as a prominent business hub, increase air travel options, expand cargo capacity, and boost international passenger traffic.

This development marks a significant step in positioning Saudi Arabia as a pivotal player in global aviation while supporting its broader economic objectives.

With inputs from SPA