Riyadh Air has strengthened its ambitious global aviation strategy by finalizing major commitments for the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner families at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. The Saudi Arabian startup carrier confirmed orders covering additional widebody aircraft, including 28 Boeing 787 options converted into firm commitments and six more Airbus A350-1000s added to its future fleet.
The latest agreement represents a significant milestone for an airline that only launched in 2023 but has quickly moved toward becoming a major international long-haul operator. By expanding its widebody fleet plans, Riyadh Air is positioning itself as a key part of Saudi Arabia’s aviation transformation goals under the country’s broader economic development strategy.
Riyadh Air Converts Boeing 787 Options Into Major Fleet Expansion
The centerpiece of the announcement is Riyadh Air’s decision to exercise 28 Boeing 787 Dreamliner options from a previous agreement signed in 2023. The airline originally committed to a potential acquisition of up to 72 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, including 39 firm orders and 33 additional options.
Following the latest transaction, Riyadh Air has significantly increased its firm Dreamliner commitment. The airline will now introduce a larger number of aircraft while also adding a new variant to its future operations. Twenty of the exercised options will be converted from the Boeing 787-9 to the larger Boeing 787-10, creating a more flexible fleet structure for high-demand international routes.
The Boeing 787-10 is the largest member of the Dreamliner family, stretching approximately 68.3 meters in length. Compared with the 787-9, the aircraft can typically accommodate around 50 additional passengers while maintaining the efficiency benefits of the Dreamliner platform. Boeing highlights that the 787-10 can provide improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared with previous-generation widebody aircraft.
For Riyadh Air, introducing the 787-10 offers operational advantages while maintaining fleet commonality. The airline already operates seven Boeing 787-9 aircraft, allowing it to benefit from shared pilot training, maintenance procedures, and cockpit systems across the Dreamliner family.
Airbus A350-1000 Order Strengthens Premium Long-Haul Ambitions
Alongside the Boeing announcement, Riyadh Air confirmed an additional commitment for six Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The latest order increases its firm A350-1000 backlog to 31 aircraft, following an agreement announced at the Paris Air Show 2025 covering up to 50 aircraft split between firm orders and options.
The A350-1000 will become an important part of Riyadh Air’s strategy for premium intercontinental services. While the Boeing 787 fleet is expected to support a large portion of the airline’s long-range network, the larger Airbus widebody is designed for routes where passenger demand and premium travel opportunities are strongest.
Riyadh Air is expected to become the first airline in Saudi Arabia to operate the Airbus A350-1000, further differentiating its fleet from existing regional competitors. The aircraft’s combination of long-range capability, spacious cabin design, and fuel efficiency makes it suitable for connecting Riyadh with major global business and tourism markets.
Rapid Growth From Startup Airline to Global Network Carrier
Riyadh Air began commercial operations in June 2026 with its first revenue flight connecting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with London Heathrow Airport using a Boeing 787-9. The launch came only three years after the airline was established, marking one of the fastest developments for a new full-service long-haul carrier.
The airline’s expansion plans remain aggressive. Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas has outlined targets to grow the fleet to eight aircraft by the end of July 2026 and expand the network to 22 destinations by March 2027. New routes to destinations including Malaga, Madrid, and Kuala Lumpur are planned as the carrier accelerates its international presence.
Beyond widebody aircraft, Riyadh Air is also developing a narrowbody fleet to support regional and medium-range operations. In 2024, the airline ordered 60 Airbus A321neo-family aircraft, including the A321neo and long-range A321XLR variants. The A321XLR’s extended range capability will allow Riyadh Air to serve thinner international routes that may not require larger widebody aircraft.
A New Aviation Powerhouse Takes Shape
The combined Boeing and Airbus commitments demonstrate Riyadh Air’s intention to build a diversified fleet capable of competing with established global airlines. By combining the efficiency of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with the capacity and range of the Airbus A350-1000, the carrier is creating a flexible platform for rapid international growth.
As Saudi Arabia continues investing heavily in tourism, business connectivity, and aviation infrastructure, Riyadh Air’s expanding aircraft portfolio reflects a long-term ambition to transform Riyadh into a major global aviation hub. The latest orders mark another major step toward that goal, with the airline preparing for a future defined by extensive international connectivity and premium passenger experiences.
