Riyadh Air and Boeing announced today (Monday) the confirmation of exercising its remaining options to purchase Boeing 787 aircraft, along with expanding its fleet by adding Boeing 787-10 aircraft, during the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

Riyadh Air's total confirmed orders from Boeing rose to 67 Dreamliners.

Under the agreement signed by Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas and Boeing Chief Commercial Officer Stephanie Pope, in the presence of several executives from both sides, Riyadh Air will receive an additional 28 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, including the conversion of 20 aircraft from previous options to the larger Boeing 787-10 variant, bringing its total confirmed orders of this type to 67 Dreamliners.

Riyadh Air explained that the addition of Boeing 787-10 aircraft reflects its commitment to operating one of the world's most modern, efficient, and sustainable fleets. Operating both the Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 models together achieves high levels of operational compatibility by unifying cockpit design, maintenance procedures, and pilot training programs, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and delivering an exceptional and consistent travel and hospitality experience across its long-haul network. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner also offers features designed to enhance passenger comfort through higher cabin humidity, lower cabin pressure, and advanced turbulence sensing technology.

It stated that this expansion of the Boeing order will support Riyadh Air's plans to expand its global network by providing the operational range and capacity needed to achieve its goal of connecting Riyadh, the capital of a G20 country, to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030. The national carrier continues to build a modern fleet that combines operational efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global aviation and travel hub.

For his part, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said: 'Confirming the exercise of the remaining options for Boeing 787 aircraft represents a new strategic milestone in Riyadh Air's journey towards establishing itself as one of the world's leading airlines. The addition of Boeing 787-10 aircraft to our fleet enhances our ability to meet the growing demand for passenger and cargo transport services and provides greater operational flexibility in supporting our ambitious plans to expand our destination network. These aircraft, along with our fleet of Boeing 787-9s, will form a key pillar in achieving our goal of connecting Riyadh to the world, thereby supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.'

The addition of Boeing 787-10 aircraft to Riyadh Air's fleet reflects the carrier's commitment to operating one of the world's most modern, efficient, and sustainable fleets. The aircraft are expected to increase the carrier's capacity by an additional 50 seats compared to the 787-9 model, as well as reduce fuel consumption and harmful emissions by 25% compared to other aircraft.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the Kingdom's economic diversification strategy. With the expansion of its global network, the carrier is expected to contribute to creating over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, in addition to adding over $20 billion (75 billion riyals) to non-oil GDP by 2030, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global aviation and travel hub.