Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is reportedly in talks with Boeing for a potential order of up to 20 widebody aircraft, media sources said.

The Middle East carrier is considering the 777X order for 2018 but it is unclear when it would reach a deal with the US planemaker or how many jets it would order, said a report in Aerotime News Hub.

The 777X is an upgrade to Boeing’s successful mini-jumbo series. The 406-seat 777-9 is due to enter service in 2020.

Saudia’s potential order could alleviate production pressure for the Boeing as it is now unlikely that the order for 80 jets by IranAir will be fulfilled, since it was placed before the US withdrew from a nuclear deal with Iran and suggested re-imposing sanctions on the country, according to a Reuters report.

The discussions also come at a time when doubts have been expressed about the solidity of existing 777X orders from the Gulf, particularly from Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, which is restructuring after accumulating $3.5 billion in losses in the past two years. The UAE carrier’s order for 25 777X jets, which dates back to November 2013, remains unfulfilled in Boeing’s orders and deliveries book, Reuters said.

Speculations are rife about when the orders could be made, with industry experts predicting the signing at the world’s second largest airshow, Farnborough, the report said.