Riyadh Air orders 60 new generation Airbus aircraft

Riyadh Air, the new global carrier, has announced an agreement to order 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft, in support of its ambitious goals and in preparation for the start of its operations in 2025. The signing of the purchase agreement was announced at the 8th Future Investment Initiative conference, in the presence of Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

Airbus A321neo aircraft are among the most sustainable and efficient aircraft in the aviation sector. Riyadh Air will ensure the optimal mix of its aircraft fleet through the first aircraft purchase agreement previously announced in 2023, in addition to this new agreement to keep pace with the growth targets of the network of destinations towards 2030. Accordingly, and in an unprecedented scope for an emerging airline, Riyadh Air currently has a total of 132 aircraft in its air fleet to support the company’s major growth plans. For his part, Yasser Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Riyadh Aviation, said: “We are pleased to achieve another important step in the journey of Riyadh Aviation, through the second order for Riyadh Aviation’s fleet of aircraft, this time in partnership with Airbus. This deal reinforces our ambitious plans at Riyadh Aviation and in preparation for the actual operational launch next year, through which we seek to build a network of destinations around the world to consolidate the position of the capital, Riyadh, as a global strategic center in the aviation sector.” Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Aviation, confirmed that this order supports Riyadh Aviation’s efforts to enhance economic growth and operate one of the most efficient and sustainable fleets in the aviation sector. This will contribute to supporting the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and achieving net zero emissions targets, adding that this deal will significantly enhance the positive economic impact of the Kingdom’s new air carrier locally and globally, and contribute to the accelerated growth of the Saudi aviation system. Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, confirmed that they welcome Riyadh Air as a new partner, and to be a host and an important part of its official launch journey. “Airbus A321neo aircraft will provide high efficiency and wide range for Riyadh Air’s operational operations as it prepares for rapid growth.

We note that this partnership reflects a shared vision towards innovation and sustainability, as Airbus looks forward to working together with Riyadh Air to support the continued growth of the aviation sector in the Kingdom.

“Riyadh Air” aims to lead, as it will equip its fleet with the latest and most advanced digital features, providing innovative travel experiences that are best in class in terms of aircraft interior design, in addition to the latest generation of entertainment and communication systems on board.

The establishment of “Riyadh Air” comes in line with the Public Investment Fund’s strategy to unleash the potential of promising sectors locally to support the diversification of the economy. The air carrier will contribute to achieving the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy and supporting the National Tourism Strategy by providing more opportunities for tourists and visitors from all over the world to access the most beautiful tourist and natural sites in the Kingdom, enhancing the status of the capital, Riyadh, as a prominent and vital business center worldwide, increasing air transport options, and raising the cargo capacity, which will increase international passenger traffic.