US planemaker Boeing has done a massive deal, potentially with one of the globe's newest air carriers, Riyadh Air, which will see the new Saudi Arabian airline launch with a fleet of 787 Dreamliners.
Owned by Saudi Arabia's current rulers' Public Investment Fund, the new airline will purchase 39 Boeing 787-9s aircraft, with options for an additional 33 787-9s. These will be based at the HQ of the airline, Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia's leaders are seeking to completely transform the nation's aviation industry and develop to be a global hub that will see it rival Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
"The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of customer experience," said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.
"Riyadh Air's commitment to its customers will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience. By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 aeroplanes will serve as a foundation for our worldwide operations, as we build the wider network and connect our guests to Saudi Arabia and many destinations around the world," Douglas said.
"This is a significant order that will support Riyadh Air's commitment to deliver a world-class travel experience, while supporting American aerospace manufacturing jobs at Boeing and across our supply chain," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are incredibly proud of our nearly eight decades of partnership to drive innovation and sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. Our agreement builds on that longstanding partnership and will further expand access to safe and sustainable commercial air travel for decades more."
This new order will be posted to Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized..