Riyadh Air has exercised options for 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, expanding its widebody fleet as the Saudi Arabian carrier accelerates plans to serve more than 100 international destinations by 2030.
The agreement includes the conversion of 20 previously ordered aircraft to the larger Boeing 787-10 variant. Boeing also confirmed that the announcement includes a previously undisclosed purchase of 11 Dreamliners. Once the remaining 17 aircraft are finalised, Riyadh Air’s firm order for the 787 programme will increase to 67 aircraft.
The expanded order supports the airline’s long-term growth strategy and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global aviation hub.
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said the additional aircraft represent another milestone in the airline’s expansion following the launch of commercial operations. He noted that passengers have responded positively to the onboard experience offered by the airline’s current fleet of six Boeing 787 aircraft. At the same time, the addition of the higher-capacity 787-10 will enable Riyadh Air to meet increasing passenger and cargo demand.
Operating both the 787-9 and 787-10 variants will provide fleet commonality, allowing the airline to benefit from shared pilot training, maintenance procedures and flight deck systems, improving operational efficiency across its network.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner family features larger passenger windows, improved cabin humidity, lower cabin altitude, and advanced turbulence-detection technology designed to enhance passenger comfort on long-haul flights.
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the manufacturer was pleased to see Riyadh Air operating the Dreamliner in commercial service and welcomed the airline’s decision to expand its 787 fleet.
As the largest member of the Dreamliner family, the 787-10 offers around 50 additional seats compared with the 787-9 while reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 25% compared with the aircraft it replaces.
