Riyadh Air announces first order of 72 B787-9 Dreamliners

Riyadh : Riyadh Air, the new Saudi Arabian airline launched by the Public Investment Fund ("PIF"), announced an order of up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes in a multi-billion dollar deal. 

The order comprises 39 confirmed aircraft with an option to acquire 33 additional wide-body 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes. The move shows Saudi Arabia's efforts to become a global aviation hub. 

The multi-billion dollar deal between Riyadh Air and The Boeing Company is part of fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing's history.

In the US, the deal is expected to support nearly 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and over 300 suppliers from across 38 states, including 145 US small businesses. 

In Saudi Arabia, new airline is expected to add USD 20 billion to non-oil GDP growth and create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.  

Saudi Arabia's new national airline will operate its first flights, early 2025, as it plans more aircraft orders, said the airline’s Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas. The move is part of the kingdom’s plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub.