Saudi Arabian carriers order up to 121 Boeing 787s

National flag-carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) is set to purchase 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with a further 10 options, to sustainably grow its global operation. The agreement will include 787-9 and 787-10 models. The 787-9 offers the longest range, 7,565nm (14,010km), of the three Dreamliner models.

New Saudi Arabian carrier Riyadh Air has chosen the 787 Dreamliner to power its global launch and support its sustainable fleet.

Owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air will purchase 39 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s. Based in the capital city, Riyadh Air will play a key role in growing Saudi Arabia's air transport network.

The agreements are part of Saudi Arabia's wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. In total, Saudi Arabian carriers’ intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners make it the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing's history and support the country's goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.

"SAUDIA continues its expansion efforts in all aspects of the airline, whether it's introducing new destinations or increasing the aircraft fleet," says His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of SAUDIA Group. "The agreement with Boeing delivers on this commitment and the newly added aircraft will further enable SAUDIA to fulfill its strategic objective of bringing the world to the Kingdom."

SAUDIA currently operates more than 50 Boeing airplanes on its long-haul network, including the 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners. The additional 787s complement SAUDIA's existing fleet.

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas says, "Riyadh Air's commitment to its customers will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience. By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 airplanes will serve as a foundation for our worldwide operations.”

The Dreamliner reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.

Boeing’s two deals with Saudi Arabia to manufacture up to 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft equipped with General Electric’s advanced GEnx engines are valued at nearly $37 billion. The most recent deals with Saudi Arabia support more than 140,000 American jobs, according to a White House press release.