- A Riyadh-based, PIF-owned airline will acquire 39 Dreamliners, with options for an additional 33 jets, enabling tourism and long-term growth.
- Passenger-friendly, fuel-efficient 787s will help Saudi Arabia meet its target of hosting 100 million visitors per year by 2030.
Riyadh Air, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced plans to purchase 39 extremely efficient 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s. Riyadh Air, based in the capital city, will play an important part in expanding Saudi Arabia’s air transport network.
This arrangement is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger strategic ambition to make the country a worldwide aviation hub. Saudi Arabian airlines confirmed today their intention to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners, making this the sixth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history. This will help the government meet its 2030 objective of serving 330 million passengers and recruiting 100 million visitors.
“The new airline reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision of being at the center of shaping the future of global air travel and being a true disruptor in terms of customer experience,” said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.
“Riyadh Air’s dedication to its clients will result in the merging of digital innovation and genuine Saudi hospitality to provide a smooth travel experience. By positioning the airline as a global connector as well as a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 planes will serve as the foundation for our global operations as we expand our network and connect our guests to Saudi Arabia and many other destinations around the world “said Douglas.
“This is a significant order that will support Riyadh Air’s goal to provide a world-class travel experience while also sustaining American aerospace manufacturing jobs at Boeing and throughout our supply chain,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are extremely pleased of our nearly eight decades of collaboration in driving innovation and long-term success in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. Our deal expands on that long-standing cooperation, providing access to safe and sustainable commercial aviation travel for decades to come.”
The 787-9 has the longest range of the 787 family, flying roughly 300 passengers 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 kilometers) with additional cargo capacity. Passengers have a better experience thanks to the largest windows on any jet, air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, large overhead bins with enough room for everyone’s bag, soothing LED lighting, and technology that detects and counteracts turbulence for a smoother ride.
The 787 family provides unrivaled fuel efficiency to airline operators worldwide, lowering fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the planes it replaces.
