Two Saudi Arabia-based airlines have signed
agreements with Boeing for up to 121 Dreamliners.
Riyadh Air, a new Saudi Arabian carrier owned by
the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has said that it will
purchase 39 Boeing 787-9s, with options for an additional 33
787-9s.
The 787-9 provides the longest range of the 787
family of airplanes, flying approximately 300 passengers 7,565
nautical miles (14,010 km), with additional cargo capacity.
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), the national
flag-carrier, plans to expand its long-haul fleet with up to 49
Boeing 787 Dreamliners by purchasing
39 with options for a further 10 aircraft. The agreement will include both 787-9
and 787-10 models.
The deal for up to 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliners is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider
strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation,
tourism and business hub, and will be the fifth largest commercial
order by value in Boeing’s history.
The aircraft will support the country’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and
attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.
“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, CEO
of Riyadh Air. “Riyadh Air’s commitment to its customers will see
the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi
hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience. 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.”
Saudia currently
operates more than 50 Boeing airplanes on its long-haul network,
including the 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 787-9 and 787-10
Dreamliner.
“Saudia continues its expansion efforts in all aspects of
the airline; whether it’s introducing new destinations or
increasing the aircraft fleet,” His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim
Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group. “The agreement with
Boeing delivers on this commitment and the newly added aircraft
will further enable SAUDIA to fulfill its strategic objective of
bringing the world to the Kingdom.”
Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787
family has launched more than 350 new nonstop routes around the
world, including about 50 new routes since 2020.
Stan Deal, President and CEO of
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, “We are incredibly proud of our
nearly eight decades of partnership to drive innovation and
sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. Our
agreements build on that longstanding partnership and will further
expand access to safe and sustainable commercial air travel for
decades more.”
