Riyadh Air Accelerates Global Expansion at Farnborough Airshow as Airline Announces Firm Order for Six Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new full-service global airline, has today announced it will exercise purchase rights for an additional six Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

Six Airbus A350-1000
Event: Farnborough International Airshow 2026
Order: Exercising purchase rights for 6 additional Airbus A350-1000s
Total Fleet: 31 confirmed A350-1000s + 60 A321s (91 aircraft ordered overall, with 19 A350 options still available)

Strategic Significance
- Ultra-long-haul capacity boost to support expansion to 100+ destinations by 2030.
- Inaugural flight milestone: First commercial service launched June 10, 2026 (RUH → LHR).
- Current network: London, Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Malaga, Madrid; ticket sales open for Dhaka, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Manchester, Mumbai.

Leadership Perspectives
- Adam Boukadida, CFO Riyadh Air:
> “Confirming these purchase rights is a powerful statement of our growth and long-term ambition… The A350-1000 perfectly aligns with our commitment to operational precision, passenger comfort, and sustainability.”
- Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales:
> “This commitment reflects Riyadh Air’s confidence in the A350-1000’s efficiency, range, and passenger appeal, supporting Vision 2030.”

Sustainability & Innovation
- Aligned with Saudi Green Initiative & Vision 2030.
- A350-1000 features: Lightweight composites + Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines → 25% lower fuel burn & CO₂ emissions.
- Fleet roadmap: 100% SAF-compatible by 2030.
- TotalCare agreement with Rolls-Royce ensures long-term efficiency and reliability.

Passenger Experience
- Digitally immersive cabins with bespoke layouts, premium fabrics, lavender accents, and smart ergonomics.
- Partnerships with cultural, wellness, and culinary brands to deliver authentic Saudi hospitality (Hafawa).

Economic Impact
- As a PIF-owned airline, Riyadh Air is a catalyst for diversification.
- Expected to generate 200,000+ jobs and contribute $20 billion (SAR 75 billion) to non-oil GDP by 2030.

This move positions Riyadh Air as a future-focused global carrier, blending sustainability, luxury, and strategic growth to anchor Saudi Arabia’s aviation ambitions.