The PIF backed Riyadh Air has placed an order for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the 55th Paris Airshow 2025.
The A350-1000 aircraft is known for its long range and fuel efficiency and will help Riyadh Air connect to over 100 destinations by 2030.
Ordering 50 Airbus A350-100 Aircraft
Riyadh Air, the new national airline of Saudi Arabia, has made headlines with its recent announcement at the 55th Paris Air Show 2025. The airline has secured an order for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, underscoring its ambition to become a leading player in the global aviation market.
This strategic decision enhances the airline’s operational capabilities and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision for its aviation sector.
Details of the Airbus Order
The recent deal includes 25 firm orders for the Airbus A350-1000 and options for an additional 25 aircraft. This flexible approach allows Riyadh Air to scale its operations according to market demand and growth projections.
The signing ceremony occurred at the Paris Air Show. Riyadh Air’s Chief Financial Officer, Adam Boukadida, and Airbus EVP Sales of Commercial Aircraft, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, formalized the agreement.
Features of the A350-1000
The Airbus A350-1000 is renowned for its advanced technology and fuel efficiency. With an operational range exceeding 16,000 kilometers, this aircraft is designed to meet the demands of long-haul travel while minimizing environmental impact. Key features include:
- Fuel Efficiency: The A350-1000 is designed to consume less fuel compared to older aircraft models, making it a cost-effective choice for airlines.
- Passenger Comfort: The aircraft boasts a spacious cabin layout, including a luxurious First-Class section, which enhances the overall passenger experience.
- Advanced Technology: Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and materials, the A350-1000 represents the latest aviation innovation.
Significance of Airbus Order
The order for the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is a pivotal step for Riyadh Air as it prepares to launch its operations in late 2025. This acquisition is part of a larger strategy to streamline its fleet and reduce the diversity of aircraft types, which can often complicate maintenance and operational efficiency.
Riyadh Air aims to enhance its service delivery and operational effectiveness by focusing on a limited number of aircraft models.
Enhancing Riyadh Air’s Connectivity
Riyadh Air plans to connect over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030 with this order. This ambitious goal is part of the airline’s strategy to position Riyadh as a central global hub, particularly in anticipation of significant events such as the Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
The A350-1000’s long-range capabilities will enable the airline to serve international routes effectively, thereby boosting passenger traffic and enhancing global connectivity.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Riyadh Air’s order for the Airbus A350-1000 closely aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on oil.
The airline’s expansion plans support the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to enhance the Kingdom’s transportation infrastructure and boost tourism.
By increasing air transport options and cargo capacity, the airline will contribute to the overall development of Saudi Arabia’s economy, positioning the Kingdom as a competitive player in the global aviation market.
Future Plans of Riyadh Air
As Riyadh Air prepares for its inaugural flights, the airline is focused on expanding its fleet further. The flexibility of the recent Airbus A350-1000 order allows for potential growth, enabling the airline to adapt to changing market conditions and passenger demand.
Shaping Connectivity to Saudi Arabia
Riyadh Air’s order for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft marks a significant step in the airline’s journey to becoming a major global player.
With a focus on operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and sustainability, Riyadh Air is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals and reshape connectivity to Saudi Arabia.
More Riyadh Air Ventures
Agreement with Air France-KLM
Riyadh Air has entered a strategic agreement with Air France-KLM to improve flight connections between the Middle East and Europe.
The deal covers codeshare services, shared loyalty rewards, and better-aligned flight schedules to improve the overall travel experience.
This move supports tourism growth and route expansion in line with Saudi Vision 2030, helping position Riyadh as a leading global aviation hub.
Riyadh Air’s 11 Key Agreements
Riyadh Air has signed 11 key agreements with top global travel and tech partners during Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market 2025 to expand reach to over 125 countries.
The deals feature key partners, including Amadeus, Sabre, DNATA, and Loyalty Juggernaut, ahead of Riyadh Air’s launch later this year.
The agreement aims to boost Riyadh Air’s global reach, enhance customer experience, and support its digital retail strategy.
Riyadh Air’s Interior Cabin Designs
Riyadh Air has unveiled its stunning Interior Cabin Designs for its Boeing 787 wide body aircraft ahead of its launch later this year.
Its fleet of 40 aircraft is due to feature 290 seats spread across its Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and Business Elite classes.
The four exclusive Business Elite class suites will be situated in row 1 with the middle two seats having the option to be combined into a double bed.
Riyadh Air AOC Certification
Riyadh Air has secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation.
The certification enables Riyadh Air to start operations ahead of its official 2025 launch, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
By 2030, the airline plans to connect Riyadh to over 100 international destinations and reshape the Kingdom’s aviation sector.
Riyadh Air Partnership with LIV Golf
Riyadh Air has signed a multi year partnership with LIV Golf to become its official partner ahead of the 2025 season.
Announced by the CEOs of both companies, the deal includes sponsorship, branding, and hospitality across LIV Golf’s global events.
This collaboration highlights Riyadh Air’s commitment to sports, innovation, and global connectivity.
The Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Atletico Madrid’s iconic football stadium will now be named The Riyadh Air Metropolitano for the next 9 years after Riyadh Air secured the naming rights.
The partnership is aimed to boost the visibility and reach of Riyadh Air, which is set to launch in 2025, InshaAllah.
The new partnership aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to attract 150 million tourists annually to the kingdom.
Riyadh Air’s Non Commercial Flights
Riyadh Air has begun Non Commercial Flights in preparation for its 2025 official debut.
Its inaugural flight, RX5001, traveled from Riyadh to Jeddah as part of the process to obtain its Air Operator Certificate.
By 2030, Riyadh Air intends to serve more than 100 destinations, connecting Riyadh globally. The airline aims to contribute $20 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP and create 200,000 jobs, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Riyadh Air Partnership with Virgin Atlantic
Riyadh Air and Virgin Atlantic have signed a strategic agreement to boost travel and premium connections between London and Saudi Arabia.
The collaboration is set to bring several advantages, such as better customer service, new travel destinations, and loyalty perks.
Riyadh Air will begin operations in 2025 and support Saudi Vision 2030’s objective of expanding international tourism to Riyadh.
Riyadh Air Partnership with Noon Payments
Riyadh Air, scheduled to begin operations in 2025 Insha’Allah, has partnered with PIF-owned Noon Payments to improve digital payment services for its passengers, ensuring a secure and smooth travel experience.
This collaboration seeks to offer top-tier passenger services with various payment methods, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.
FIFA Concacaf’s Official Airline Partner
Riyadh Air, due to begin operations in 2025, has been named FIFA’s Concacaf Official Airline Partner.
This long-term agreement will expand Riyadh Air’s global presence, offering travelers connections to football events throughout North and Central America.
By 2030, Riyadh Air aims to serve more than 100 destinations, aligning with the Riyadh Expo 2030.
This partnership comes after Riyadh Air’s earlier collaboration with the Athlético de Madrid football club.
Riyadh Air and Delta Airlines Partnership
Riyadh Air and Delta Air Lines have agreed on a Strategic Cooperation MoU to improve travel links between Saudi Arabia and the US with a planned codeshare agreement.
This collaboration is set to provide several advantages for travelers moving between North America and Saudi Arabia, and increase flight options between the two nations.
Riyadh Air is set to begin operations in 2025, helping Saudi Arabia meet its target of 300 million air passengers by 2030.
Riyadh Designers Uniform
Riyadh Air has ambitious plans to transform the airline sector by launching staff uniforms created by renowned designers.
More information on this can be expected in the upcoming year. CEO Tony Douglas guarantees groundbreaking developments, including a unique passenger experience, the removal of first class, and a premium economy that will surpass the business classes of its competitors.
Riyadh Air and Turkish Airlines Partnership
Riyadh Air and Turkish Airlines have signed an MoU to improve travel advantages for passengers traveling between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
This deal permits a code-sharing agreement and enables travelers to exchange loyalty points between the two airlines. Additionally, the deal allows for smooth connectivity through Istanbul Airport to over 130 destinations globally.
Riyadh Air and Lucid Air Partnership
Riyadh Air, entirely owned by the Public Investment Fund, has collaborated with Lucid Motors. In the announcement, Riyadh Air also showcased a striking double-livery design on two Lucid Air cars.
This alliance highlights their mutual dedication to pioneering and promoting sustainability in the realms of aviation and electric car manufacturing.
Keep Reading: Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM Sign MoU to Expand Global Connectivity
