Riyadh Air has firmed an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its total firm commitment for the long-haul widebody to 31 jets, Airbus said on July 20 at the Farnborough International Airshow.
The deal converts part of Riyadh Air’s earlier plan for up to 50 A350-1000s, first announced in June 2025, into a larger firm order. Airbus said the airline will be the first in Saudi Arabia to operate the A350-1000, positioning the aircraft as a core tool in the carrier’s international expansion and in Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 aviation goals.
Why the A350-1000 is a big “hub-builder”
Riyadh Air‘s chief financial officer, Adam Boukadida, said the added aircraft “strengthens the foundation” of its future route network and supports its goal of serving “more than 100 destinations by 2030”. Airbus commercial sales executive Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said the move reflects confidence in the A350-1000’s efficiency and long-range capability.
Airbus pitches the A350 family as its most modern widebody line, using advanced aerodynamics and lightweight materials; the company says the aircraft delivers about a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and CO₂ emissions versus previous-generation competitor aircraft.
For the specific A350-1000 variant, Airbus says the jet typically seats 375-400 passengers in a three-class layout and is powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97. Rolls-Royce separately has described Riyadh Air’s A350-1000 engine deal as an order supporting the airline’s “more than 100 destinations by 2030” growth plan, paired with a TotalCare services agreement.
Riyadh Air is ordering from both big manufacturers
The Airbus announcement landed alongside Riyadh Air’s separate push to expand its Boeing fleet. Boeing said the airline is exercising options for 28 additional 787 Dreamliners and converting 20 to the larger 787-10; Boeing also said Riyadh Air has taken delivery of six 787-9s and “currently serves six cities”.
Reuters reported the combined Farnborough moves amount to 34 widebody aircraft announced in a single day (the six A350-1000s plus the 28 787s), as Riyadh Air ramps up routes and aims to establish Riyadh as a major hub.
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