Riyadh Air Finalizes Order for 34 Boeing and Airbus Widebody Jets

Key Facts

In a move reflecting the massive scale of Saudi Arabia's aviation ambitions, Riyadh Air has finalized an order for 34 widebody aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus. This deal serves as a cornerstone of the airline's expansion strategy, designed to connect the Saudi capital to more than 100 international destinations by 2030. The finalized contract underscores the aggressive capital deployment within the Kingdom's aviation sector to meet Vision 2030 goals.

This order arrives amid intensifying competition between global planemakers to secure dominance in the growing Middle Eastern market, with Airbus's A350 and Boeing's 787 and 777X models leading the fray. Per market data, Airbus (AIR.DE) closed at 194.66 EUR (as of July 17, 2026), while Boeing (BA) stood at 214.34 USD (as of July 16, 2026). Analysts suggest that splitting the order between the two giants mitigates supply chain risks that have recently hampered Boeing's delivery schedules.

Investors should monitor current price levels, as Boeing (BA) is trading near its recent daily low of 214.2 USD, while Airbus (AIR.DE) remains resilient above the 191.9 EUR mark. With no immediate aviation-specific catalysts in the upcoming economic calendar, market attention will likely shift toward delivery timelines and the long-term impact of these contracts on the manufacturers' future cash flows.