Quantcast

Riyadh Air unveils images of first custom-built Boeing 787-9 ahead of inaugural flights

US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Riyadh Air unveils images of first custom-built Boeing 787-9 ahead of inaugural flights
Policy
Webp a1
H.E. Yasir Othman Al-Rumayyan, Chairman | Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air has released images of its first new Boeing 787-9, which is nearing completion at Boeing’s production facility in Charleston, South Carolina. The aircraft is expected to enter service later this year, with the airline aiming to launch its first flights by the end of October.

The Boeing South Carolina site, established in 2009, serves as the sole assembly location for Dreamliner aircraft. The facility covers over a million square feet and employs approximately 8,000 workers. Boeing plans to expand the campus with a $1 billion investment next year to increase production rates.

The newly shared photos show Riyadh Air’s first 787-9 from an order placed in March 2023 for 39 aircraft. The plane has completed major component assembly and is currently undergoing systems installation before heading to the paint shop. Riyadh Air acknowledged Boeing’s role in reaching this milestone on social media: "Thank you for your partnership as our team prepares to style this airplane with your beautiful livery. Here’s to your new era in the air."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Riyadh Air's fleet strategy includes both Airbus and Boeing models. In addition to its initial order of 39 Boeing 787-9s—with options for another 33—the airline has also ordered 60 Airbus A321neos and recently confirmed an order for 25 Airbus A350-1000s during the Paris Air Show, with options for an additional 25.

This will be Riyadh Air’s first custom-built 787-9, although it previously showcased its livery on a different aircraft supplied by Boeing at the Paris Air Show in 2023; that plane now operates with Ethiopian Airlines. Since January, Riyadh Air has leased a Boeing 787-9 from Oman Air for crew training purposes.

Cabin details were revealed earlier this year, showing that Riyadh Air’s new Dreamliners will have three classes: business (28 suites), premium economy (39 seats), and economy (223 seats). The A350s are expected to feature a first class cabin when delivered.

Although official routes have not been announced, reports indicate that Riyadh Air intends to begin service between Riyadh and London Heathrow starting October 26. Slot allocations suggest that initial flights will use a leased aircraft from Oman Air configured with fewer seats than the new-build Dreamliners.

Riyadh Air was founded in 2023 as Saudi Arabia's new national carrier and aims to operate more than 100 international routes by decade's end.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates Airlines has highlighted the evolution of its cabin crew uniform, emphasizing its commitment to timeless design and practicality.

Oct 23, 2025

Emirates has achieved the Gold Tier status in the 2024 Fly Quiet Programme at New York’s JFK Airport, making it the only airline to receive this distinction among all participating carriers.

Oct 23, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025