Boeing Secures Big Order from Saudi Airlines for Dozens of 787 Jets

March 15, 2023

Newly launched Riyadh Air will purchase 39 787-9s, with options for an additional 33. Meanwhile, Saudia Airlines will also increase its long-haul fleet with a purchase of 39 787s, with a further 10 options.

By RTT News/dpa-AFX

Source dpa (TNS)

Washington — US aerospace giant Boeing on Tuesday announced a deal to sell 78 of its 787 Dreamliners to two Saudi Arabian airlines.

The newly launched Riyadh Air, which is owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, will purchase 39 787-9s, with options for an additional 33.

Meanwhile, Saudia Airlines will also increase its long-haul fleet with a purchase of 39 787s, with a further 10 options. The agreement will include both 787-9 and 787-10 models.

"The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of customer experience," said Tony Douglas, chief executive of Riyadh Air.

"By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 airplanes will serve as a foundation for our worldwide operations, as we build the wider network and connect our guests to Saudi Arabia and many destinations around the world," Douglas said.

These agreements are part of Saudi Arabia's wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub, like other countries in the region, such as Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

The country's goal is to serve 330 million passengers and attract 100 million visitors annually by 2030.