By Youssef Yahya 
Riyadh Air, the new Saudi airline launched by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced an agreement to purchase 60 Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft. The announcement was made at the 8th Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Conference in Riyadh, signaling the airline’s progress towards its highly anticipated maiden flight in 2025.
The agreement was formally signed in Riyadh by Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, setting in motion an important phase in the airline’s journey.
Riyadh Air A321neo
The Airbus A321neo is renowned for its advanced fuel efficiency and sustainability, which aligns with Riyadh Air’s strategic objectives. This single-aisle airliner will complement the wide-body aircraft ordered in 2023, ensuring a balanced fleet that suits Riyadh Air’s rapidly expanding network. Riyadh Air’s fleet will eventually consist of 132 aircraft, an unparalleled scale for a new airline, showcasing its dedication to growth and operational excellence.
PIF Governor’s Vision for a Global Aviation Hub
His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF Governor and Chairman of Riyadh Air, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership with Airbus, noting the pivotal role it plays in advancing the airline’s long-term ambitions. “This deal underlines the airline’s ambitious intentions in advance of next year’s launch,” he stated, emphasizing Riyadh Air’s goal to create an expansive international network that positions Riyadh as a central global aviation hub. Al-Rumayyan’s vision reflects the broader objectives of Vision 2030, aiming to establish Saudi Arabia as a prominent player in global air travel.
CEO Tony Douglas on Economic and Environmental Contributions
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, highlighted the positive impact this agreement will have on Saudi Arabia’s economy and its sustainability efforts. He emphasized that the new Airbus fleet would contribute significantly to economic growth within the aviation sector while supporting Riyadh Air’s mission to maintain one of the industry’s most eco-friendly fleets. Additionally, the airline’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s net-zero emissions goal was underscored, making this deal a strong statement in support of sustainable development.
Airbus Welcomes Riyadh Air to Its Ranks
Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, expressed pride in partnering with Riyadh Air on this significant venture.
“The latest generation A321neo aircraft will bring exceptional efficiency to the airline’s operations and comfort to its passengers.”
Scherer stated, underlining the advantages that Riyadh Air can expect from the advanced design and capabilities of the A321neo. Airbus’s support will be instrumental as Riyadh Air positions itself to contribute to the impressive expansion of Saudi aviation.
Riyadh Air current orders
Riyadh Air’s aggressive expansion strategy is further highlighted by its impressive fleet orders. In addition to the recent order of 60 Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft, the airline previously confirmed an order for 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This combination of aircraft—the efficient, mid-sized Dreamliner and the sustainable, high-capacity A321neo—positions Riyadh Air with a versatile fleet capable of servicing both long-haul and regional routes. This balanced approach not only supports Riyadh Air’s aim to meet diverse passenger needs but also demonstrates the airline’s commitment to operating a world-class, eco-friendly fleet. As it nears its official launch in 2025, Riyadh Air’s strategic choices showcase its readiness to enter the global aviation stage with resilience and adaptability.
Riyadh Air’s fleet will be equipped with state-of-the-art digital features to deliver a premium passenger experience, setting new standards in cabin interior design, in-flight entertainment, and connectivity.
Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’
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Mohammed Rizwan