Riyadh Air has firmed up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its total confirmed commitment for the type to 31 aircraft as it accelerates the expansion of its long-haul network.
Announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, the order exercises purchase rights from the airline’s original commitment for up to 50 A350-1000s announced in 2025. Riyadh Air now has 91 Airbus aircraft on order, including 60 A321neos, while retaining purchase rights for an additional 19 A350s. The carrier will become the first airline in Saudi Arabia to operate the A350-1000, using the aircraft to support ultra-long-haul services and its goal of serving more than 100 global destinations by 2030.
The announcement follows Riyadh Air’s launch of commercial operations in June 2026. The airline currently serves London Heathrow, Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Malaga and Madrid, and has opened ticket sales for services to Dhaka, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Manchester and Mumbai, with additional destinations planned.
Powered by Rolls-Royce engines, the A350-1000 will provide the range, fuel efficiency and passenger capacity required for the airline’s future intercontinental network while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy. Airbus said the aircraft delivers a 25% improvement in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon emissions compared with previous-generation widebody aircraft.
