Quantcast

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

Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
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

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

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

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025

The SFO Facility recently hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which was deemed a success by organizers.

Oct 22, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. recently held an appreciation event at its SFW facility to honor its employees.

Oct 22, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced that it contributes all of its taxable income annually to the Chicago-based Sue L. Gin Foundation Trust, which supports healthcare, education, legal aid, and immigration rights.

Oct 21, 2025