Riyadh Air Expands Boeing 787 Fleet with 28 Additional Dreamliners

International

Saudi Arabia's new national carrier adds larger 787-10 aircraft as it targets more than 100 global destinations by 2030

Riyadh Air has expanded its Boeing 787 Dreamliner order by committing to purchase 28 additional aircraft, marking another major step in the airline's long-term growth strategy. The agreement includes the exercise of options from the carrier's original 2023 order and the conversion of 20 aircraft to the larger Boeing 787-10 variant.

The announcement was made at the Farnborough International Airshow and follows the airline's recent launch of commercial operations with a fleet of six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners serving six destinations.

Fleet to grow to 67 Dreamliners

The latest agreement includes a previously undisclosed purchase of 11 Boeing 787 aircraft. Once the remaining 17 aircraft are finalized, Riyadh Air's firm order book will increase to a total of 67 Dreamliners.

According to the airline, the additional aircraft will provide the capacity required to support its goal of serving more than 100 international destinations by the end of the decade.

"The commitment to firm up an additional 28 787 Dreamliners and introduce the 787-10 marks another significant milestone in Riyadh Air's journey towards over 100 international destinations by 2030, a key part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 ambitions," said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas.

Larger aircraft for future growth

The Boeing 787-10 will complement the airline's existing fleet of 787-9 aircraft while offering approximately 50 additional seats per aircraft. Boeing says the larger variant also reduces fuel consumption and emissions by around 25 percent compared with the aircraft it replaces.

Operating both Dreamliner variants will allow Riyadh Air to benefit from common flight deck systems, maintenance procedures and pilot training, improving operational efficiency while maintaining a consistent passenger experience across its network.

Focus on passenger comfort

The 787 Dreamliner family features larger cabin windows, higher humidity levels, lower cabin altitude and advanced turbulence-reduction technology designed to improve passenger comfort on long-haul flights.

"We are delighted to see Riyadh Air flying their new 787 airplanes in commercial service and we are deeply honored they are placing orders for additional 787 Dreamliner aircraft to support their future," said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

"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."

Supporting Saudi Vision 2030

The expanded Dreamliner fleet forms part of Riyadh Air's strategy to establish Riyadh as a major global aviation hub under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 program. The airline expects the larger fleet to support the capital's connectivity with more than 100 international destinations while contributing to the Kingdom's economic diversification.

Wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air estimates its operations will generate more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute over US$20 billion (SAR75 billion) to Saudi Arabia's non-oil GDP by 2030.