Saudi Startup Carrier Weighs Expanding Long-Haul Fleet as Growth Plans Accelerate
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Riyadh Air is evaluating a significant expansion of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, with the Saudi startup airline reportedly considering converting up to 30 existing aircraft options into firm orders as it accelerates plans to become a major global carrier.
According to industry sources cited by Reuters, the airline is studying a purchase of between 25 and 30 additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft. A decision could be announced during the Farnborough International Airshow, which opens on July 20, 2026, although discussions remain ongoing and no final agreement has been reached.
The potential transaction would not represent an entirely new aircraft acquisition. Instead, it would largely involve converting options already secured by the airline into confirmed orders, reinforcing Riyadh Air’s long-term fleet strategy as it expands operations from its Riyadh hub.
Riyadh Air Could Increase Firm Dreamliner Orders to Nearly 70 Aircraft
Existing Boeing Agreement Provides Room for Expansion
Riyadh Air signed a landmark agreement with Boeing in 2023 for 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, accompanied by options for an additional 33 aircraft.
If the airline proceeds with exercising between 25 and 30 of those options, its firm commitment for the Dreamliner would increase to between 64 and 69 aircraft. Such a move would leave only a small number of options unconverted and significantly strengthen the airline’s future widebody fleet.
The proposed expansion highlights Riyadh Air’s confidence in long-haul demand and its ambition to establish a strong international presence from Saudi Arabia. Boeing and Riyadh Air both declined to comment on the reported discussions, while sources familiar with the matter emphasized that negotiations remain active and subject to change.
Rapid Fleet Growth Supports Expanding Route Network
Airline Began Commercial Operations Earlier This Year
Riyadh Air officially launched passenger operations in June 2026, operating its inaugural commercial service between Riyadh and London Heathrow using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The airline’s launch marked a major milestone for Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector and forms part of the kingdom’s broader strategy to strengthen connectivity, tourism, and economic diversification.
Chief Executive Tony Douglas said at the time that incoming aircraft deliveries would increase the carrier’s fleet to eight aircraft by the end of July 2026. Those additional jets are expected to support rapid network growth, enabling the airline to serve 22 destinations by March 2027.
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air was established in 2023 as the kingdom’s second national airline alongside Saudia. The carrier has outlined plans to connect Saudi Arabia with more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
Airbus Orders Add Further Growth Capacity
Carrier Building One of the Industry’s Largest Startup Order Books
While Boeing’s Dreamliner remains central to Riyadh Air’s initial long-haul strategy, the airline has also assembled a substantial Airbus order portfolio.
In 2024, the carrier ordered 60 Airbus A321neo-family aircraft to support regional and medium-haul operations. The following year, Riyadh Air expanded its widebody plans by signing a firm agreement for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft during the Paris Air Show.
That agreement also included options for an additional 25 A350-1000 jets, providing flexibility for future growth. Reuters reported that the airline is also evaluating whether to convert some of those Airbus options into firm commitments, although specific numbers have not been disclosed.
Combined, Riyadh Air’s Boeing and Airbus agreements give the airline access to a potential fleet of as many as 182 aircraft, including both firm orders and purchase options.
Long-Haul Fleet Strategy Centers on Boeing 787 and Airbus A350
Widebody Aircraft Will Drive International Expansion
The Boeing 787-9 currently serves as the foundation of Riyadh Air’s long-haul operation. The airline has configured the aircraft with 290 seats across business, premium economy, and economy cabins, targeting both premium and leisure travelers on international routes.
As demand grows, the larger Airbus A350-1000 is expected to provide additional capacity and operational flexibility across high-volume long-haul markets.
Together, the two aircraft types form the core of Riyadh Air’s fleet strategy and support its ambition to evolve from a newly launched carrier into a major international airline. With Saudi Arabia continuing to invest heavily in aviation infrastructure and tourism development, any decision to expand the Dreamliner order book would further underscore the airline’s aggressive growth trajectory and long-term commitment to global expansion.
