Riyadh Air Expands Fleet with Order for Six Airbus A350-1000 Jets

Key Facts

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its aviation sector development under Vision 2030, Airbus has finalized an agreement with Riyadh Air for the purchase of six A350-1000 wide-body jets. According to reports, this order is a strategic move to strengthen the new carrier's fleet pipeline as it prepares for its upcoming commercial operations, marking a significant milestone for the airline's long-haul ambitions.

This deal arrives amid intense competition between Airbus and Boeing for major contracts in the Middle East, as Gulf carriers aggressively modernize their fleets. Industry experts note that while the order size is focused, it reinforces Airbus's commercial aircraft backlog, particularly as the A350-1000 competes directly with Boeing's 777X. Per market data, the sustained demand for fuel-efficient, long-range aircraft remains a primary driver for the manufacturer's long-term revenue growth.

In the markets, AIR.DE shares stood at 191.36 EUR at the close of July 20, 2026, while EADSY closed at $54.42 on the same date. Investors are now looking for updates regarding delivery schedules and will monitor the upcoming speech by Bundesbank's Nagel on July 15, which could influence broader market sentiment in the European industrial sector.