Aviation News – Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has firmed up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, bringing its total firm commitment for the type to 31 aircraft. This strategic fleet expansion strengthens the carrier’s widebody capability as it accelerates global network expansion and supports the Kingdom’s economic goals.
The firm order represents a key step under the original agreement announced in 2025, which outlined a total commitment for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 jets. By converting purchase rights into firm orders for these six widebody aircraft, Riyadh Air accelerates its fleet build-out and reinforces its long-term industrial partnership with Airbus.
Through this deal, Riyadh Air becomes the first airline in Saudi Arabia to operate the ultra-long-range A350-1000 variant. The expansion directly advances the national transportation framework under Vision 2030, a economic initiative designed to transform the Kingdom into a leading international aviation hub connecting major global continents.
Technically, the Airbus A350-1000 represents Airbus’s largest widebody passenger jet, capable of flying non-stop up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers). Powered by latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and lightweight composite materials, the aircraft delivers a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn, lower operating costs, and reduced carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft. These operational efficiencies enable Riyadh Air to open long-haul routes while maintaining strict sustainability standards and high passenger comfort.
Underscoring the strategic weight of the development, Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, stated: “Increasing our A350-1000 commitment to 31 aircraft strengthens the foundation of our future network and supports our ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030 while delivering a premium guest experience.” He added that firming up these additional aircraft reflects the airline’s continued confidence in its growth trajectory and the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.
Looking ahead, integrating these long-range aircraft will enable Riyadh Air to establish seamless non-stop connections between Riyadh and key global capitals across the globe. Travelers and aviation industry partners should monitor upcoming international route launches as the carrier prepares to deploy its expanding widebody fleet.
The acquisition of six extra Airbus A350-1000 jets marks a decisive step forward in building Saudi Arabia’s premium flag carrier. Standardizing long-haul operations on modern, fuel-efficient widebody technology provides high operational resilience and reduced environmental impact. Moving forward, this expanding fleet will underpin Riyadh Air’s mission to connect the Kingdom to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
