New Saudi Arabian Airline Orders 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

Riyadh Air has selected the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to power its global launch. The new Saudi Arabian carrier will purchase 39 Boeing 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s.

Owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and based in the capital city, Riyadh Air will play a key role in growing Saudi Arabia's air transport network.

The purchase agreement is part of Saudi Arabia's wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. Today, SAUDIA also announced that it will purchase 39 787s, with an option for additional 10.

In total, Saudi Arabian carriers today announced their intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners in what will be the 5th 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.   

"The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of customer experience," said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.

"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," Douglas said.

"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."

The Boeing 787-9 provides the longest range of the Boeing 787 family of widebody airplanes, flying approximately 300 passengers 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), with additional cargo capacity.

Passengers enjoy a better experience with the largest windows of any jet, air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, large overhead bins with room for everyone's bag; soothing LED lighting, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

The Boeing 787 family is delivering unmatched fuel efficiency to airline operators around the world reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to airplanes they replace.

This new order will be posted to Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized.