Riyadh Air will launch services with an all-Boeing fleet of up to 72 787-9 Dreamliners, with a firm order for 39 Dreamliners, and options for 33 more. SAUDIA will also add up to 49 787-9 and 787-10s, with a firm order for 39 jets, and options for 10 more.
On Tuesday (March 14, 2023), Boeing announced that the new Saudi Arabian carrier, Riyadh Air, will launch with an all-Boeing fleet of up to 72 787-9 Dreamliners. The carrier has ordered 39 787-9s, while securing options for 33 more. The agreement is part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. Riyadh Air is wholly-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and will connect the Saudi capital with over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030. The airline is expected to add US $20 billion to non-oil GDP growth, while creating over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Riyadh Air’s CEO, Tony Douglas, said,
“The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of customer experience. Riyadh Air's commitment to its customers will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience. By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 airplanes will serve as a foundation for our worldwide operations, as we build the wider network and connect our guests to Saudi Arabia and many destinations around the world.”
Also commenting on the 787-9 order, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ President and CEO, Stan Deal, said,
“This is a significant order that will support Riyadh Air’s commitment to deliver a world-class travel experience, while supporting American aerospace manufacturing jobs at Boeing and across our supply chain. We are incredibly proud of our nearly eight decades of partnership to drive innovation and sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. Our agreement builds on that longstanding partnership and will further expand access to safe and sustainable commercial air travel for decades more.”
In a separate press release today (March 14, 2023), Boeing announced that Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) has also ordered up to 49 Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners. Saudia will purchase 39 787s, and has secured options for 10 more.
In Tuesday’s announcement, SAUDIA Group’s Director General, His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, said,
“SAUDIA continues its expansion efforts in all aspects of the airline; whether it's introducing new destinations or increasing the aircraft fleet. The agreement with Boeing delivers on this commitment and the newly added aircraft will further enable SAUDIA to fulfill its strategic objective of bringing the world to the Kingdom.”
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Stan Deal, added,
“Adding to its 787 Dreamliner fleet will enable SAUDIA to expand its long-haul service with outstanding range, capacity and efficiency. After more than 75 years of partnership, we are honored by SAUDIA's confidence in Boeing products and will continue to support Saudi Arabia's goal to expand sustainable air travel.”
The Boeing 787-9 is the longest range member of the Dreamliner Family, with the ability to fly around 300 passengers 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), with additional cargo capacity. Guests enjoy an elevated experience with the largest windows of any jet, air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, large overhead bins, soothing LED lighting, and technologies that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother experience. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner Family also delivers a fuel use and emissions reduction of up to 25 percent compared to the airplanes they replace. Since entering passenger revenue service in 2011, the 787 Family has enabled the launch of over 350 new nonstop routes worldwide, including around 50 new routes since 2020.
In total, Saudi Arabian carriers have today announced their intention to purchase op to 121 787 Dreamliners, representing the fifth largest commercial airplane order by value in Boeing’s history. These combined orders will support the Kingdom’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.
Boeing (NYSE: BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Source(s): Boeing/PRNewswire, Riyadh Air, SAUDIA