Riyadh Air has taken another bold step to advance Saudi Arabia’s aviation ambitions. The airline signed a deal to purchase 25 Airbus A350-1000 jets at the Paris Air Show. This decision reflects the country’s commitment to building a world-class aviation hub.
Moreover, the agreement includes options for 25 additional aircraft of the same model. Airbus made the announcement during the opening day of the show in Le Bourget, just northeast of Paris.
This marks Riyadh Air’s second major order of wide-body aircraft. Previously, in March 2023, the airline signed a deal with Boeing for 39 Dreamliners, along with options for 33 more. Although that order is still pending finalization, it clearly shows consistent growth plans.
Notably, Riyadh Air also placed an earlier order for 60 A321 Neo jets last October. These narrow-body aircraft will help the airline serve regional and short-haul markets. Therefore, the new A350s will complement the existing fleet by covering longer international routes.
According to Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida, the latest Airbus deal signals Riyadh Air’s strong intention to lead in global aviation. Furthermore, he emphasized the airline’s role in expanding Saudi Arabia’s aviation ambitions.
In addition, Riyadh Air has been making steady progress toward its launch. It received its Air Operator Certificate, took delivery of a technical spare, and plans to announce initial routes soon. As a result, the airline is on track to begin commercial service in the fourth quarter of this year.
Consequently, this major order enhances Saudi Arabia’s strategy to attract high-spending tourists rather than mass tourism. The kingdom has already committed $800 billion to boost its tourism industry. By 2030, Saudi Arabia hopes to draw 150 million visitors annually.
Meanwhile, Airbus also signed another deal with Saudi lessor AviLease for up to 77 planes. This further strengthens the region’s growing interest in aviation investments.
At the same time, Airbus expects rising global demand for aircraft. Its latest forecast predicts the need for 42,450 new passenger planes from 2025 to 2044. Therefore, Riyadh Air’s order aligns with broader market trends.
While Airbus celebrated multiple wins, Boeing took a more subdued role this year. Following a fatal Dreamliner crash in India, Boeing executives canceled their appearance at the show. Thus, the Paris Air Show spotlight has shifted more heavily toward Airbus.
Ultimately, Riyadh Air’s rapid expansion supports Saudi Arabia’s aviation ambitions on several fronts. It adds new aircraft, builds global routes, and boosts economic goals. With this momentum, the kingdom’s dream of becoming a top aviation and tourism hub looks more achievable than ever.
