Riyadh Air has announced at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) 8th Edition Conference, an agreement to purchase 60 Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft in the latest step towards its maiden flight in 2025. The deal was confirmed with a signing in Riyadh today between Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, and Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft of Airbus.

On a scale unprecedented for an airline startup, Riyadh Air has ordered a total of 132 aircraft to power its growth plans.

His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF Governor and Chairman of Riyadh Air, said: “We are pleased to embark on another key milestone in Riyadh Air’s journey with the carrier’s second major fleet order, this time in partnership with Airbus. This deal underlines the airline’s ambitious intentions in advance of next year’s launch as it builds a comprehensive international network and establishes Riyadh as a major strategic global aviation hub.”

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air said: “This order will not only enable us to support economic growth in the aviation industry, it will also ensure Riyadh Air operates one of the most sustainable fleets in the industry and be instrumental in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its net-zero emissions goals. This deal strongly reinforces the positive economic impact of Saudi Arabia’s newest airline on both a global and local scale and helps facilitate the fast-growing local aviation ecosystem.”

Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said: “We are proud to welcome Riyadh Air as a new Airbus customer and to be a part of its exciting journey. The latest generation A321neo aircraft, will bring exceptional efficiency to the airline's operations and comfort to its passengers. We look forward to working together to support the incredible growth of Saudi aviation."