Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air has taken a major leap forward in its global expansion journey by signing a landmark deal for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the Paris Air Show, with the potential to increase the order to 50. This bold move not only marks Riyadh Air as the first Saudi carrier to operate the advanced long-range jets but also reinforces the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goal of transforming into a global aviation and tourism powerhouse. By integrating cutting-edge efficiency and sustainable aviation technologies, Riyadh Air is setting new standards for eco-conscious luxury travel while strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position on the international air travel map.

Saudi Arabia’s newest premium international airline, Riyadh Air, is making headlines again with a major milestone—placing a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, one of the most advanced widebody jets in the world. This significant purchase, signed during the Paris Air Show, signals Riyadh Air’s firm commitment to elevating Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global aviation map. The agreement also includes an option to expand the order to as many as 50 aircraft, underscoring the airline’s ambitious growth trajectory.

The high-profile signing ceremony drew attendance from prominent industry and government leaders, including His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, which is backing Riyadh Air. Also in attendance to mark this landmark agreement were Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, and Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Air.

“This order marks a significant step forward in building a world-class airline that reflects the ambitions of Vision 2030. The A350-1000 will bring outstanding efficiency and comfort to our fleet, supporting our sustainability goals and enabling Riyadh Air to offer a premium experience while connecting Saudi Arabia to the world,” said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air ”It’s a clear signal of our intent to shape the future of air travel and contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom’s fast-growing aviation ecosystem.”

“We are proud to extend our strategic partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom. As the long-range leader, the A350-1000 will provide unrivalled efficiency, range and passenger comfort, making it the ideal choice to support the airline’s ambitious growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to enhance global connectivity and economic diversification”, said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry,  Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

A First for Saudi Skies

With this acquisition, Riyadh Air becomes the first airline in Saudi Arabia to operate the Airbus A350-1000, a long-haul aircraft known for its cutting-edge efficiency and range. This move is not only a major step forward for the airline itself but also a bold statement in support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—a national transformation plan that aims to diversify the economy and boost sectors such as tourism and transport.

A major objective of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is to accommodate 300 million air travelers each year by 2030, significantly boosting the nation’s aviation capacity. Riyadh Air’s investment in long-range, high-capacity aircraft like the A350-1000 is directly aligned with this goal, enabling the airline to connect Saudi Arabia with major destinations across the globe, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

The A350-1000: Setting New Standards for Global Travel

The Airbus A350-1000 stands out as a true marvel of modern engineering, offering far more than standard air travel capabilities. Designed for long-haul journeys, this aircraft boasts the longest range capability of any commercial jet currently in production, making it ideal for Riyadh Air’s international ambitions. It also features state-of-the-art aerodynamics, lightweight composite materials, and the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, which contribute to lower fuel consumption and reduced environmental impact.

Passengers can look forward to an exceptional onboard experience as well. The A350-1000 offers spacious cabins, reduced noise levels, and optimized humidity and air circulation, creating a more relaxing and enjoyable journey.

Committed to a Greener Future

As the aviation industry works toward a more sustainable future, environmental performance was a crucial factor in Riyadh Air’s decision to choose the A350-1000. All A350s are already certified to fly with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and Airbus has set a bold goal of making its entire aircraft lineup 100% SAF-compatible by 2030.

This aligns well with Riyadh Air’s vision of combining luxury and sustainability. By integrating aircraft that are capable of operating on greener fuels, the airline is contributing to broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-conscious aviation.

A Strategic Move Backed by Global Expertise

Riyadh Air is the most recent entrant into Saudi Arabia’s growing aviation sector, launched with the support of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which plays a pivotal role in advancing the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy. Under the experienced leadership of Tony Douglas, the airline is being built with global standards in mind, promising a world-class travel experience for both leisure and business travelers.

Douglas, who brings decades of aviation leadership experience—including his time as CEO of Etihad Airways—has been vocal about Riyadh Air’s aspirations to become a disruptive force in international aviation. By securing the A350-1000, the airline is positioning itself to deliver both luxury and operational excellence right from its launch phase.

Airbus’ A350 Family Continues to Lead the Market

The Airbus A350 family continues to grow in popularity among airlines seeking range, efficiency, and passenger comfort. By May 2025, Airbus had secured more than 1,390 confirmed orders for its A350 aircraft from over 60 airlines and operators around the globe. Out of these, 657 aircraft are already in active service, supporting long, medium, and short-haul operations across the globe.

With its industry-leading fuel efficiency and innovative design, the A350 is fast becoming the aircraft of choice for forward-thinking carriers, and Riyadh Air’s decision to join this group reflects its intent to operate at the forefront of global aviation standards.

A Glimpse Into Riyadh Air’s Future

Although Riyadh Air is still in its early stages, the airline is clearly laying strong foundations for long-term success. With the A350-1000 forming the backbone of its long-haul fleet, the carrier is expected to launch operations with an ultra-modern, fuel-efficient fleet tailored to premium passengers.

This aircraft acquisition further reflects the airline’s commitment to becoming a major catalyst for boosting international tourism to Saudi Arabia—an essential pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda. With new tourist visas, mega-projects like NEOM, and world-class hospitality infrastructure coming online, Riyadh Air is perfectly positioned to bridge Saudi Arabia with the world.

Riyadh Air has fast-tracked its global expansion by signing a bold deal for 25 Airbus A350-1000s at the Paris Air Show, advancing Vision 2030 and redefining sustainable luxury travel.

Conclusion: Saudi Arabia’s Soaring Ambitions Take Flight

Riyadh Air’s firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is more than a fleet expansion—it’s a symbol of national ambition and a stepping stone toward reshaping the Middle East’s aviation landscape. With the potential to double the order and lead in SAF adoption, the airline is demonstrating its readiness to set new benchmarks in performance, sustainability, and global connectivity.

As the skies become more competitive and sustainability becomes non-negotiable, Riyadh Air’s bold investment signals that Saudi Arabia is not just participating in the future of flight—it’s helping define it. The A350-1000s will soon take off not just from Riyadh’s runways, but from the pages of Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey toward becoming an aviation powerhouse.

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