Boeing and Airbus Eye Riyadh Air’s 50-Jet Widebody Deal, and More
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Riyadh Air Nears Decision on 50 Boeing, Airbus Widebody Jet Order
Riyadh Air is finalizing plans for a major new widebody aircraft order, indicating a potential 50-unit deal split between Boeing's 777X models and Airbus' A350-1000.
The decision, expected by mid-2025, will shape the Saudi carrier's long-haul strategy as it aims to compete with Gulf rivals like Emirates and Qatar Airways.
This follows delays in Boeing 787 deliveries that pushed Riyadh Air's launch to late 2025, though CEO Tony Douglas remains confident in securing revised delivery timelines.
Key Points
- Order Scope: Riyadh Air's major fleet purchase could include up to 50 aircraft, potentially split between Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 777Xs, both designed for over 350 passengers.
- Timeline: As per reports, negotiations are underway, with a final decision anticipated in Q1 or Q2 2025. Deliveries would likely begin in the late 2020s.
- Strategic Partnerships: The airline has existing relationships with both manufacturers, having already ordered 39 Boeing 787-9s (with options for 33 more) and 60 Airbus A321neos.
- Vision 2030 Link: This order supports Saudi Arabia's goal to transform into a global tourism hub, targeting 330 million annual passengers by 2030.
- Market Impact: A 50-jet deal could rank among the largest widebody orders of 2025 (let's wait and see), further intensifying the market-share race between Boeing and Airbus in the Middle East.
- Delivery Challenges: Boeing's ongoing 787 delays have pushed Riyadh Air's operational launch to mid-2025, but the airline remains committed to balancing its fleet mix.
What It Means
I see this potential order as another pivotal moment for Riyadh Air’s long-term ambitions.
By investing in large widebodies like the 777X or A350-1000, the airline is positioning itself to compete directly with Gulf giants like Emirates and Qatar Airways on key routes to Asia, Europe, and North America.
For Boeing, securing this deal would help offset recent order setbacks, while Airbus could leverage its A350’s operational efficiency as a selling point.
The negotiations also reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader economic strategy—using aviation as a lever to reduce oil dependency and attract foreign investment.
However, execution risks remain, particularly around delivery timelines and the airline’s ability to fill these high-capacity jets in a competitive market.
