Saudi Carrier Takes Delivery of Boeing 787-9, Cements Fleet Expansion Plans

Riyadh Air has unveiled its third Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is currently awaiting its new livery. The airline has ordered 60 A321neo, 25 A350-1000, and 39 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, with the first official delivery expected before the end of the year. Riyadh Air expects to launch its first commercial flights in early 2026, following its first passenger flight on October 25, 2025. The airline has also signed a lease agreement with Saudi-owned Avi Lease for a single Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Riyadh Air has partnered with Huawei to develop its next-generation digital ecosystem, which will support its broader digital transformation. The airline aims to reach 150 million tourists by 2030, and the partnership with Huawei is seen as essential to achieving this goal. The partnership was announced on December 15, 2025, and was reported by AeroTime.