Saudia Airlines considers purchasing 25 to 30 additional Boeing aircraft

Sources said that the emerging Saudi airline Riyadh Air is considering purchasing between 25 and 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners by exercising most of its contractual options with the American aircraft manufacturer, and may also increase its orders from Boeing.

Riyadh Air, which conducted its first revenue-generating commercial flight last month, ordered up to 72 Boeing Dreamliners in 2023, including 39 firm orders and options for an additional 33 aircraft.

Sources said an announcement regarding the Saudi company converting most of those options into firm purchases could be made at next week’s Farnborough Airshow, but added that details are still under discussion.

Riyadh Air and Boeing declined to comment. Riyadh Air also ordered 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft for long-haul flights, with options for an additional 25 planes. Industry sources indicated that some of these orders may be confirmed. Airbus declined to comment.