Saudi Arabian Airlines and Riyadh Air announce Boeing 787 Dreamliner orders

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SAUDIA will order up to 49 Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners, while newly-announced Riyadh Air will launch its operations with an all-Boeing fleet of up to 72 787-9 Dreamliners.

Today, Boeing and Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) announced the national flag-carrier will grow its long-haul fleet with the selection of up to 49 787 Dreamliners. SAUDIA is set to purchase 39 787s, with a further 10 options. The agreement will include both 787-9 and 787-10 models.

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. The additional 787s complement SAUDIA’s existing fleet, enabling it to effectively harness the value of the 777 and 787 families.

Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air will purchase 39 highly efficient 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s. Based in the capital city, Riyadh Air will play a key role in growing Saudi Arabia’s air transport network.

This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. In total, Saudi Arabian carriers today announced their intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners in what will be the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history. This will support the country’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.

Source: Aeronews Global