Two Saudi Arabia-Based Airlines Sign Deals for Up To 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Dark/Light Mode (16/03/23)  Two Saudi Arabia-based airlines have signed agreements with Boeing for up to 121 Dreamliners.

Riyadh Air, a new Saudi Arabian carrier owned by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), has said that it will purchase 39 Boeing 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s.

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

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), the national flag-carrier, plans to expand its long-haul fleet with up to 49 Boeing 787 Dreamliners by purchasing 39 with options for a further 10 aircraft. The agreement will include both 787-9 and 787-10 models.

Two Saudi Arabia-based airlines have signed deals for up to 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

The deal for up to 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliners is part of Saudi Arabia's wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation, tourism and business hub, and will be the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing's history.

The aircraft 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."

Saudia currently operates more than 50 Boeing airplanes on its long-haul network, including the 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliner.

"Saudia continues its expansion efforts in all aspects of the airline; whether it's introducing new destinations or increasing the aircraft fleet," His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group. "The agreement with Boeing delivers on this commitment and the newly added aircraft will further enable SAUDIA to fulfill its strategic objective of bringing the world to the Kingdom."

Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 350 new nonstop routes around the world, including about 50 new routes since 2020.

Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, "We are incredibly proud of our nearly eight decades of partnership to drive innovation and sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. Our agreements build on that longstanding partnership and will further expand access to safe and sustainable commercial air travel for decades more."

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