Image: Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, announced an order for 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft during the 55th annual Paris Air Show, marking a major step forward in the kingdom’s ambitious aviation expansion.
The agreement includes 25 firm orders with options for an additional 25 aircraft.
The signing ceremony took place at Le Bourget Airport and was attended by senior officials including PIF governor and Riyadh Air chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air CFO Adam Boukadida, Airbus EVP for Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, and Airbus CEO of Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer.
“Our new national carrier is set to launch in the near future and represents a key component of the kingdom’s infrastructure,” said Al-Rumayyan. “It will connect Riyadh to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.” He added that the A350-1000 acquisition reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global aviation hub.
Riyadh Air aims to enhance international connectivity with top in class fleet
Riyadh Air is expected to redefine the passenger experience with advanced digital features, cutting-edge cabin design, and next-generation onboard entertainment and connectivity.
The airline’s vision is to offer best-in-class service while playing a strategic role in economic diversification, in line with PIF’s strategy to unlock high-growth sectors.
The launch of Riyadh Air is a key enabler of the National Aviation Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy, which aim to enhance international connectivity, boost Riyadh’s standing as a global business destination, expand air cargo capacity, and support the kingdom’s growing tourism sector by increasing access to cultural and natural attractions.
The A350-1000s, Airbus’ largest and most modern wide-body aircraft, will support Riyadh Air’s long-haul network and global ambitions.
In other news, earlier this month, Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM signed a MoU, marking a significant step forward in global connectivity for guests traveling between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam, and destinations far beyond.
Subject to regulatory approvals, the collaboration aims to gradually introduce a wide range of benefits for guests and to unlock new opportunities across Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and Saudi Arabia.
