Riyadh Air has exercised purchase rights for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its confirmed A350-1000 fleet to 31 aircraft as it accelerates its global expansion strategy.
The agreement, announced at the
Farnborough International Airshow 2026, strengthens the Saudi airline’s
ultra-long-haul capabilities and brings its total confirmed Airbus orders to 91
aircraft, including 60 A321s.
The carrier also retains purchase
rights for 19 more A350s, providing flexibility for future growth.
Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, said: "Following the historic take-off
of our first commercial flights last month, confirming these purchase rights
for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is a powerful statement of our
growth and long-term ambition. With no legacy systems to hold us back, we are
building an airline of the future from the ground up. The A350-1000 is an
exceptional aircraft that perfectly aligns with our commitment to operational
precision, passenger comfort, and thoughtful sustainability. It will allow us
to showcase authentic Saudi hospitality – Hafawa – on a truly global
scale."
"We are proud to deepen our partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to
build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry,
Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “This additional
A350-1000 commitment reflects the airline's confidence in the aircraft's
exceptional efficiency, range and passenger appeal. As Riyadh Air advances its
ambitious growth plans, the A350-1000 will play an important role in supporting
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives and helping position the Kingdom as a
leading international aviation hub."
The announcement follows Riyadh
Air’s inaugural commercial flight from Riyadh to London Heathrow on June 10,
2026, marking the launch of its operations with a modern fleet.
The airline aims to connect Saudi Arabia with more than 100 destinations across Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Americas by 2030.
Riyadh Air currently serves London, Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Malaga and Madrid, while ticket sales have opened for six additional destinations—Dhaka, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Manchester and Mumbai—with more routes expected soon. -TradeArabia News Service
