Riyadh Air takes delivery of first Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Riyadh Air has taken delivery of its first two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking a key milestone as Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier moves closer to launching commercial operations.

The aircraft arrived in Riyadh on June 5, becoming the first deliveries from the airline’s order for up to 72 Boeing 787s. The Dreamliners will form the backbone of Riyadh Air’s fleet, serving both regional and long-haul destinations.

“This is a historic moment for us and for Saudi aviation,” Riyadh Air Chief Executive Tony Douglas said. “We are not only building an airline, but creating a new gateway connecting the Kingdom with the world.”

The deliveries support Saudi Arabia’s ambitious aviation growth plans under Vision 2030. The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors annually and handle 330 million passengers a year by the end of the decade.

Boeing said the 787’s fuel efficiency, operational flexibility and passenger comfort make it well suited to Riyadh Air’s expansion strategy. Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the aircraft would help the airline offer “modern world-class travel” while opening new connectivity opportunities for Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh Air plans to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030, linking Riyadh with major cities across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Early routes are expected to include London, Cairo and Jeddah.

The arrival of the first Dreamliners brings Riyadh Air a significant step closer to entering service and underscores Saudi Arabia’s determination to establish Riyadh as a major global aviation hub.