Riyadh Air, the latest national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has finalized its first aircraft leasing agreement with AviLease, a prominent aerospace leasing company based in the kingdom. The deal involves leasing a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, signifying a key milestone toward the airline's operational debut scheduled for late 2025.
The aircraft is expected to arrive during the fourth quarter of 2025, bolstering Riyadh Air’s fleet as it prepares to launch international commercial services. The Boeing 787-9 is recognized for its long-range capabilities, passenger comfort, and fuel efficiency—features crucial in enabling Riyadh Air to connect Saudi Arabia with growing global markets.
Strategic Significance and Market Impact
This leasing partnership marks an important step in Riyadh Air’s strategy to develop a modern, competitive fleet aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The project aims to augment the kingdom’s air connectivity, attract international travelers, and establish a significant presence as a global transportation hub. AviLease’s involvement demonstrates the kingdom’s focus on fostering domestic aerospace industry growth, while Riyadh Air’s ambitious plans may influence regional airline development.
"The leasing of our first aircraft underscores our commitment to deploying a state-of-the-art fleet that offers superior passenger experience and operational efficiency," said Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air.
Both companies anticipate that this collaboration will pave the way for further fleet expansion and strategic partnerships, strengthening the overall aviation landscape in Saudi Arabia. As Riyadh Air prepares for its inaugural flights, the focus remains on leveraging modern aircraft to support the nation’s broader economic and infrastructural ambitions.
