Riyadh Air eyes firm order up to 30 more Boeing 787s amid rapid expansion

Riyadh Air is moving closer to expanding its fleet by potentially converting options on as many as 30 more Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The Saudi Arabian startup airline, which began commercial operations only recently, is currently studying an order to increase its firm commitment from 39 to nearly 70 aircraft. Industry insider sources indicate a decision could be announced at the upcoming Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026, though negotiations remain underway. Neither Riyadh Air nor Boeing have officially commented on the matter.

Initially, Riyadh Air agreed in 2023 to purchase 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, accompanied by options for an additional 33 Dreamliners. Should the airline exercise between 25 and 30 of these options, the firm order total would rise to approximately 64 to 69 aircraft, leaving a handful of options unconverted. This expansion follows Riyadh Air's launch of its first commercial flight in June 2026, flying a 787-9 to London Heathrow, setting the stage for rapid growth.

The airline's CEO Tony Douglas outlined aggressive growth plans at launch, signaling an increase in the fleet to eight aircraft by the end of July 2026. This expansion is expected to facilitate service to 22 destinations by March 2027, positioning Riyadh Air as a significant new player on international routes. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, configured with 290 seats across business, premium economy, and economy cabins, will serve as the backbone for these long-haul operations.

Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air was established in 2023 as the kingdom's second national carrier after Saudia. Leveraging significant investments in aviation and tourism, Riyadh Air aims to operate to over 100 destinations by 2030. The airline's fleet development strategy incorporates a mix of Boeing and Airbus aircraft to support various route demands and capacities.

In addition to the Boeing 787 orders, Riyadh Air maintains a substantial Airbus portfolio. This includes 60 Airbus A321neo-family jets ordered in 2024 and a firm commitment for 25 Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft signed during the Paris Air Show in June 2025. The A350 deal also includes options for another 25, which Riyadh Air is reportedly considering converting to firm orders, though quantities have not been disclosed.

The projected fleet size totals as many as 182 aircraft when tallying firm orders and purchase options across Boeing 787-9s, Airbus A350-1000s, and A321neos. The A321neos are expected to serve shorter routes, whereas the A350-1000s will bolster capacity on expanding long-haul services. This mix reflects Riyadh Air’s ambition to scale rapidly and efficiently across multiple market segments.

Riyadh Air’s fleet growth aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to enhance aviation infrastructure and tourism appeal. By establishing a modern fleet with technologically advanced aircraft like the 787 and A350, the carrier is poised to offer competitive service quality and connectivity. The upcoming potential formalization of additional Boeing Dreamliner orders would solidify Riyadh Air’s commitment to widebody long-haul operations.

The Farnborough Airshow represents a key milestone where Riyadh Air might finalize these fleet expansion plans, capitalizing on international industry attention. Confirmation of orders there would mark a significant step in the airline’s journey from startup to major international carrier. This potential fleet scale-up follows closely on the heels of the airline’s first year of operations, underlining its swift progression.

Riyadh Air’s fleet strategy combining Boeing and Airbus widebodies positioned it to respond flexibly to market demands. The possible conversion of Boeing options into firm orders reflects confidence in future demand and continued investment in Saudi aviation ambitions. The expanded network and increased capacity driven by these aircraft choices will be critical to Riyadh Air’s evolving role as Saudi Arabia’s emerging international airline.