Boeing delivers Riyadh Air’s first Dreamliners

Boeing and Riyadh Air announced that the new carrier’s first two 787 Dreamliners were delivered and arrived in Riyadh, a milestone for the airline as it prepares to launch commercial service. “To see our very first custom-built 787 Dreamliner airplanes touch down in Riyadh is a historic moment for us, and a momentous day for Saudi aviation,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. “I couldn’t be more excited or more confident about the future and the legacy we are creating. Not only are we building an airline, we are opening a new gateway to the world from the heart of the Kingdom. We are absolutely ready and excited to welcome the world to Riyadh.” The deliveries are a step forward for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy, which aims to attract 150 million visitors and serve 330 million passengers annually by 2030. Riyadh Air’s fleet plan includes up to 72 787 airplanes that will play a central role in connecting the Kingdom to regional and long-haul markets, including Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. “Riyadh Air is bringing to life a vision of modern world-class travel, and we are delighted to support them as they open new possibilities for the Kingdom and the world,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 787 Dreamliner gives Riyadh Air unmatched efficiency, flexibility across routes and a beautiful interior that will deliver a phenomenal travel experience.” Riyadh Air plans to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030, deploying early 787 flights to cities including London, Cairo and Jeddah. Air India, Riyadh Air sign MoU for future cooperation Air India, India’s leading global airline, and Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the foundation for a partnership that will offer guests seamless connections between India, Saudi Arabia, and destinations beyond. The MoU reflects the shared ambition of both full-service premium carriers to boost global connectivity for travellers flying between India, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, leveraging the geographical advantages of their hubs at Delhi, Mumbai, and Riyadh. Subject to regulatory approvals, Air India and Riyadh Air intend to introduce interline and codeshare arrangements that will enable guests to travel seamlessly across each other’s networks with the convenience of a single booking and smoother onward connections via their respective hubs. The two airlines will also explore collaboration across a range of areas, including reciprocal loyalty programme benefits, cargo services, operational support  and digital and technology initiatives designed to enhance the guest experience. The partnership supports growing demand for travel linked to business, tourism, and family visits, reflecting the deep economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties between Saudi Arabia and India. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “India and Saudi Arabia are two important growth markets in global aviation today, and the scale and momentum in both countries make this a natural partnership. We look forward to working with Riyadh Air to bring together complementary strengths of the two airlines to unlock that opportunity with a focus on offering our guests more choice across our combined networks and elevating their travel experiences.” Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, stated, “India is one of the most important and dynamic aviation markets in the world, and this partnership with Air India marks a defining step in Riyadh Air’s mission to connect Saudi Arabia with key global destinations. Together, we will offer guests a seamless, world-class experience that reflects the deep cultural and economic bonds shared between our two nations.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]