It had been widely reported that Riyadh Air – the new Saudi Airline to be based in the city – was about to order a significant number of new Boeing aircraft.
But it has been revealed Saudi Arabia will acquire significant aircraft for the existing flag carrier Saudia as well.
The order is worth up to US$37 billion, although airlines would usually get a discount on list prices.
Riyadh Air, which has incredible aspirations to build a new Emirates, will receive 39 787-900s with the option of 33 more jets.
The first jet will be delivered in 2025.
By 2030 the airline aims to be servicing 100 destinations around the world which is quite extraordinary.
It has also been reported that the new CEO, Tony Douglas, who was poached from Etihad to run the airline had resigned but that appears to be false as he was all over this announcement.
Saudia will order 39 787-900 and 787-1000s with options for another 10.
This is a very significant investment in making Saudi Arabia a global aviation hub.
Both airlines are owned by the Government and are part of a larger strategic ambition to rapidly build tourism in the country.
Astonishingly there will also be another government-funded airline, Neom Airlines, starting up in the near future as well.
Neom Airlines is expected to launch next year and will focus on serving the planned futuristic city of Neom which Saudi Arabia is building in the North-West of the country.
It will be fascinating to see how Ridadh Air and Saudi Arabia’s aviation hub ambitions develop from here.
