Image: Riyadh Air
New Saudi carrier Riyadh Air has only just been launched but already the airline is looking to order more aircraft ‘soon’.
Tony Douglas, chief executive of Riyadh Air told Bloomberg: “There will be more orders to follow, and it will enable us to put connectivity into places that fulfil the ambition of the nation, but for the avoidance of doubt, this will be commercially sustainable.”
This comes after Riyadh Air said it will purchase 39 highly efficient 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s.
Speaking at the launch of the airline Douglas said: “Riyadh Air’s commitment to its customers will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience. By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 airplanes will serve as a foundation for our worldwide operations, as we build the wider network and connect our guests to Saudi Arabia and many destinations around the world,”.
“This is a significant order that will support Riyadh Air’s commitment to deliver a world-class travel experience, while supporting American aerospace manufacturing jobs at Boeing and across our supply chain,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are incredibly proud of our nearly eight decades of partnership to drive innovation and sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. Our agreement builds on that longstanding partnership and will further expand access to safe and sustainable commercial air travel for decades more.”
Riyadh
The airline will be based in the Saudi capital Riyadh and aims to fly to 100 destinations by 2030.
In total, Saudi Arabian carriers intend 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.
