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. The landmark agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, drives the airline’s strategic expansion that brings Riyadh Air’s total Airbus A350-1000 confirmed fleet to 31 aircraft, significantly boosting its ultra-long-haul capacity. Riyadh Air also has 60 Airbus A321 aircraft on order, totaling 91 aircraft ordered with 19 options/purchase rights for the A350 aircraft still available to exercise, allowing greater future flexibility.
This announcement comes at a historic juncture for Riyadh Air, following its highly anticipated inaugural commercial flight from Riyadh (RUH) to London Heathrow (LHR) on June 10, 2026, utilizing its brand-new, custom-built fleet. By exercising these widebody purchase rights, the carrier cements its commitment to building a modern, highly efficient fleet capable of connecting the Kingdom to over 100 global destinations across Asia, Oceania, Africa, Europe, and the Americas by 2030.
Already operating flights to six destinations including London, Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Malaga and Madrid, Riyadh Air has also opened ticket sales for flights six additional cities from Riyadh – Dhaka, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Manchester and Mumbai with many more to be revealed in the coming weeks and months.
Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, said: “Following the historic take-off of our first commercial flights last month, confirming these purchase rights for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is a powerful statement of our growth and long-term ambition. With no legacy systems to hold us back, we are building an airline of the future from the ground up. The A350-1000 is an exceptional aircraft that perfectly aligns with our commitment to operational precision, passenger comfort, and thoughtful sustainability. It will allow us to showcase authentic Saudi hospitality – Hafawa – on a truly global scale.”
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “This additional A350-1000 commitment reflects the airline’s confidence in the aircraft’s exceptional efficiency, range and passenger appeal. As Riyadh Air advances its ambitious growth plans, the A350-1000 will play an important role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives and helping position the Kingdom as a leading international aviation hub.”
Pioneering Sustainable Aviation
Aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Riyadh Air has established sustainability as a core operational pillar. The Airbus A350-1000 utilizes advanced lightweight composite materials and is powered by state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, which deliver 25% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions than previous-generation widebody aircraft. Riyadh Air’s comprehensive sustainability roadmap additionally includes a long-term agreement with Rolls-Royce for TotalCare services and a commitment to ensuring the fleet is 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) compatible by 2030, driving absolute emission reductions as the airline scales.
Bespoke Luxury in the Skies
Guests aboard Riyadh Air’s A350-1000 fleet will experience a digitally-immersive, premium environment designed to redefine air travel. The widebody cabin will feature a bespoke layout utilizing premium, home-inspired fabrics, customized lavender accents, and smart ergonomics. Guests will enjoy the ultimate in restorative comfort, complemented by Riyadh Air’s signature partnerships with global and local cultural, wellness, and culinary brands.
A Landmark Moment at Farnborough
The announcement was made at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, one of the world’s premier aerospace exhibitions, and an event that serves as an essential platform for aviation innovators to chart the industry’s path toward net-zero emissions, while simultaneously showcasing the revolutionary technologies transforming the passenger journey.
As a wholly owned company of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air acts as a key catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy. By expanding its global reach, the airline expects to generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute over $20 billion (SAR 75 billion) to non-oil GDP growth by 2030.
