Saudi Arabia’s ambitious new airline seals deal for up to 50 widebody jets at Paris Airshow, setting the stage for a global push
Riyadh Air is making a loud and clear statement: it’s not here to play small. With a landmark deal signed at the 2025 Paris Airshow, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline just committed to a fleet expansion plan that’s hard to ignore — up to 50 Airbus A350-1000s, including 25 firm orders and an option for 25 more.
It’s not just a transaction; it’s a power move, and one that could reshape the aviation map, placing Riyadh smack in the middle of the world’s busiest long-haul corridors.
A350-1000: The Jet of Choice for a Global Vision
The A350-1000 isn’t your average aircraft. It’s long-range, high-capacity, and a favorite among carriers looking to offer premium travel on intercontinental routes. Riyadh Air’s decision to lock in this aircraft tells you everything you need to know about its aspirations.
This deal isn’t about filling gaps in regional connectivity. It’s about linking Riyadh to New York, Tokyo, Paris, and beyond. With a range of over 16,000 kilometers, these planes can practically go the distance to anywhere that matters in global business and tourism.
One sentence here, just to mix it up.
Tony Douglas, the airline’s CEO, emphasized that the A350-1000 will be a “cornerstone” of Riyadh Air’s fleet. If the airline’s planned 2025 launch takes off as scheduled, these aircraft could be flying passengers before the Riyadh Expo 2030.
Why This Deal Matters — Beyond the Aircraft
This isn’t just about aviation. It’s part of a broader national agenda.
The order was signed in front of some heavy hitters: Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) governor and chairman of Riyadh Air, joined Airbus executives at the Paris Airshow in a show of both political and commercial intent.
Saudi Arabia wants to transform itself into a global hub — not just for oil, but for tourism, trade, and sports. Aviation is critical to that.
Here’s why it matters:
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The A350-1000 aligns with Saudi Arabia’s plan to serve 100 international cities by 2030
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Riyadh Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034 will rely on massive air connectivity
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The new airline supports Saudi Vision 2030’s push to diversify the economy
It’s a checklist of national goals, and aviation is the backbone.
A Fleet That’s Taking Shape Fast
Riyadh Air is not being subtle about the scale it’s after. The A350s are just one part of a three-type aircraft fleet set to begin operations next year. With this latest deal, the airline’s total order book now reportedly stands at 182 aircraft.
That’s serious heft for a carrier that hasn’t flown a single commercial flight yet.
Take a look at how the fleet build-up looks so far:
| Aircraft Type | Manufacturer | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A350-1000 | Airbus | 25 firm, 25 options | Long-haul, flagship aircraft |
| Narrow-body fleet | TBA | Not announced | Likely for regional operations |
| Mid-range jets | TBA | In discussions | Filling gaps between networks |
The plan is bold. But also risky. It’s expensive. And untested.
Still, Douglas and his team are betting on smart design, slick cabins, and top-tier tech to win over travelers.
More Than Just Planes: What Passengers Can Expect
At the heart of Riyadh Air’s strategy is the passenger experience. You can tell they’re going all-in on premium vibes. Think stylish First Class suites, futuristic entertainment systems, and tech-forward features designed to lure in the global business traveler.
They’ve been tight-lipped about exact interior layouts, but insiders suggest something that could rival — or even outdo — Emirates and Qatar Airways.
Here’s the pitch: premium feel, sleek design, strong digital experience. But priced competitively.
One key sentence: They’re promising champagne style at less-than-caviar prices.
But how that plays out remains to be seen. Until people are actually flying, it’s all ideas and renderings.
The Bigger Picture: Saudi’s Aviation Ambitions
Let’s zoom out. This deal isn’t in a vacuum. It fits right into the wider game plan for Saudi Arabia.
They’re already investing billions into airport infrastructure. A massive new terminal is underway in Riyadh. The old aviation players, like Saudia, are being repositioned. There’s a full-on reimagining happening — from the tarmac up.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan said it best during the signing: “Our new national carrier is a fundamental element of the Kingdom’s infrastructure.”
That’s not just rhetoric.
Saudi Arabia is gearing up for Expo 2030, the World Cup in 2034, and a steady stream of mega-events in between. Air traffic is expected to explode.
