Riyadh Air is assessing whether to exercise most of its contractual options with Boeing to secure an additional 25-30 787 Dreamliners, industry sources said. The potential move would convert a substantial portion of the carrier’s outstanding Boeing options into confirmed purchases, industry participants added, while discussions over the final details are continuing.
The Saudi startup, which last month operated its first commercial revenue flight, originally placed an agreement in 2023 that could encompass up to 72 Boeing 787s. That deal comprised 39 aircraft ordered outright and options on a further 33. Sources familiar with the matter said Riyadh Air is studying the conversion of the bulk of those options into firm orders.
Those sources indicated that a formal announcement could arrive as early as next week’s Farnborough Airshow, although they stressed the terms were still being negotiated and not yet finalized. Both Riyadh Air and Boeing declined to comment on the reports.
In addition to its Boeing commitments, Riyadh Air has an order book with Airbus that includes 25 A350-1000 long-haul jets and options for another 25. Industry contacts said some of those Airbus options may also be converted into firm commitments, a development that would further expand Riyadh Air’s long-haul fleet plans. Airbus declined to comment.
The discussions reported by industry sources do not yet represent confirmed transactions. They reflect ongoing commercial talks between the carrier and the planemakers, with timing and volumes subject to change as negotiations continue. Any public confirmation would clarify how Riyadh Air intends to balance its Boeing and Airbus programmes as it expands operations.