Riyadh Air Orders 25 Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft, Eyes Future Expansion

AFP | The Hague, Netherlands

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Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new premium international airline, has confirmed a major order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with the potential to double the number to 50 in the future. The deal was officially signed during the Paris Air Show and attended by key figures including H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, and Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas.

This makes Riyadh Air the first Saudi airline to operate the A350-1000, a long-range aircraft known for its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort. The purchase supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to increase air traffic to 300 million passengers annually and position the Kingdom as a global hub for aviation and tourism.

Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, called the order “a significant step” in building a world-class airline. He said the A350-1000 will help the airline meet sustainability targets and provide passengers with a premium travel experience.

Airbus executive Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said the aircraft will help Riyadh Air achieve its growth ambitions. “The A350-1000 is the perfect aircraft for expanding long-haul routes while meeting efficiency and comfort expectations,” he added.

The A350-1000 is one of the most modern wide-body aircraft in the world, offering the longest range of any commercial airliner currently in production. It is also designed to fly with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus aiming to make all its aircraft fully SAF-compatible by 2030.

As of May 2025, more than 1,390 A350 aircraft have been ordered by over 60 airlines globally, with 657 already in operation on routes of varying distances.