Riyadh Air has announced an order for 60 Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) 8th Edition Conference in Saudi Arabia.
The deal was confirmed on October 30, 2024, in a signing between Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, and Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft of Airbus.
Before today’s agreement was announced, it was unclear if Riyadh Air would opt for Airbus or Boeing narrowbodies to accompany the previously ordered Dreamliners.
However, the future Saudia flag carrier said it had selected an “optimal fleet mix to fulfill its network ambitions of 100 destinations by 2030”.
Riyadh Air has ordered a total of 132 aircraft and plans to launch its maiden flight in 2025.
“This order will not only enable us to support economic growth in the aviation industry, it will also ensure Riyadh Air operates one of the most sustainable fleets in the industry and be instrumental in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its net-zero emissions goals,” said Douglas.
Douglas added: “This deal strongly reinforces the positive economic impact of Saudi Arabia’s newest airline on both a global and local scale and helps facilitate the fast-growing local aviation ecosystem.”
Riyadh Air, a subsidiary of the country’s Public Investment Fund and a sister airline to the established national carrier, Saudia, was launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in March 2023.
“We are proud to welcome Riyadh Air as a new Airbus customer and to be a part of its exciting journey. The latest generation A321neo aircraft will bring exceptional efficiency to the airline’s operations and comfort to its passengers. We look forward to working together to support the incredible growth of Saudi aviation,” said Scherer.
2 comments
Riyadh Air’s decision to order 60 Airbus A321neos while maintaining a fleet that includes Boeing widebodies highlights a strategic approach to optimize operational flexibility. This dual-fleet strategy allows the airline to effectively cater to both short-haul and long-haul routes.
Besides, the order could lead to increased investment in airport infrastructure and services in Saudi Arabia, essential for accommodating the projected rise in passenger traffic. This development would further enhance the country’s aviation ecosystem.
It’s nice to see a new airline focusing on sustainability. Looking forward to their launch in 2025! Exciting times for air travel in Saudi Arabia!