Saudi-backed Riyadh Air secures order for 50 Airbus A350‑1000 jets

Riyadh Air has secured a landmark deal for 50 Airbus A350‑1000 aircraft—25 firm with options on 25 more—announced during the 55th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport. The signing brought together top officials from the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air and Airbus, signalling a decisive move in the Kingdom’s vision to elevate Riyadh into a leading global aviation hub by 2030.

The larger A350‑1000 will underpin Riyadh Air’s long-range fleet strategy, enabling non-stop connections up to 16,000 km and facilitating routes to over 100 destinations by the decade’s end. This aligns with the airline’s plan to operate a three-type fleet, including A320neos and Boeing 787s, upon its anticipated launch in 2025.

At the ceremony, PIF governor and Riyadh Air chairman Yasir Al‑Rumayyan remarked that the acquisition “demonstrates the strategic contribution of Riyadh Air in positioning…" and is central to embedding the carrier within the Kingdom's infrastructure vision of global connectivity. CFO Adam Boukadida stressed the significance of this order in building "a world-class airline that reflects the ambitions of Vision 2030," citing efficiency, comfort, and environmental performance benefits.

Airbus, represented by EVP Sales Benoît de Saint‑Exupéry and CEO Christian Scherer, praised the choice of the A350‑1000 as demonstrating advanced capabilities and decarbonisation efforts. The aircraft’s sustained performance—supporting up to 50% SAF use now, with a goal to reach full 100% SAF capability by 2030—is a pivotal feature.

This agreement complements Riyadh Air’s existing backlog of 132 aircraft, bringing the total to a potential 182 units—including A321neos and Boeing 787s. The carrier secured its Air Operator’s Certificate in April 2025 and is expected to finalise its inaugural route network later this year.

The strategic deployment of A350‑1000s reflects a broader Saudi initiative to diversify its aviation partnerships beyond Boeing. During the show, AviLease—a PIF-owned leasing entity—also confirmed purchases of A321neos and A350 freighters, as part of a wider rebalancing effort. The shift coincides with Airbus enjoying a dominant share of the 2025 Paris Air Show’s order book, while Boeing scaled back amid its internal challenges.

Market analysts highlight the A350‑1000 as a long-haul flagship, offering up to 15‑25 per cent operational cost savings over its closest rivals. It joins a total of 1391 firm A350 orders globally, with a backlog of 231 A350‑1000s specifically. Riyadh Air’s endorsement boosts Airbus’s momentum as supply chain constraints pressure high-demand models like the A320 series.

Riyadh’s ambitious aviation roadmap is anchored in Vision 2030’s aim to draw 300 million air passengers by decade’s end. The airline intends this fleet to deliver exceptional cabin experiences—including enhanced first- and business-class products—and drive non-oil GDP growth estimated at US$20 billion, while generating around 200,000 jobs.

As Riyadh Air sets its sights on debut flights later this year, the A350‑1000 order underscores an aggressive strategy to establish Riyadh as a rival to established Gulf hubs. The aircraft's ultra-long-range capability and premium positioning signal a redefined aviation landscape in the Middle East.