Quantcast

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

Tycoon unveils £25 billion rival Heathrow expansion plan
Proposals for commercial planes to operate with one pilot shelved after critical EU report
Air Travel Fatalities Up 300% in 2024, According to Shocking Global Report
Boeing Halts Strike Talks Amid $36 Billion Deal & Union Dispute
FAA’s Broader Runway Safety Push Builds on EMAS Legacy
Ryanair CEO says aviation sustainability targets are 'dying a death'
US FAA funds system to prevent accidents involving runaway airplanes
Exclusive: Korean Air makes airline's biggest-ever Boeing jet order amid Trump-Lee summit
Boeing Stock Jumps on Massive Korean Air Order
FAA EMAS: Proven Safety Wins Since 1996
Air Canada flight attendants try to build on US gains on unpaid work
Cathay Pacific warns of declining fares and cargo uncertainty, shares fall
Clear intentions, cloudy path: aviation's ongoing ESG challenge
Turkish Airlines is preparing binding offer for Spain's Air Europa, executive says
Air Canada flight attendants approve strike mandate
US criticizes use of AI to personalize airline ticket prices, would investigate
Ethiopian Airlines' annual revenue rises as it draws more passengers, adds routes
Major strike action to hit 12 Spanish airports that have Ryanair flights
JetBlue, United partnership gets go-ahead from U.S. Transportation Department
United-JetBlue partnership gets US DOT approval
Air India Warned Over Crew Fatigue and Training Failures Following Fatal Crash
Heathrow Chief Defends £50–60 billion Third Runway Amid Rising Costs Debate
New UK airline with cheap US fares is ‘parked’ after just TWO flights – with people fearing it’s been scrapped for good
US carriers shamed in surprising new list of the world’s ‘cleanest’ airlines
Air Force Pilot Wasn't Alerted to Collision Course with Passenger Jet Before Scary Near Miss, Says Official
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy may deny flights from Mexico over broken aviation agreement
Plane Makes Emergency Landing After ‘Unruly’ Passenger Attempts to Open Exit Door Mid-Flight
American Airlines Launches Ultra‑Long‑Haul DFW–Manila Flights
Thousands of flights canceled or delayed across America's busiest airports
Summer flight delays to be 'worst ever' this year - what to do if 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

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