Riyadh Air (RXI, Riyadh) is planning to place an order for up to forty A350s with potentially as many options, sources told Reuters. However, negotiations are led by sister carrier Saudia (SV, Jeddah International), which also hopes to secure aircraft for itself.
Saudia Chief Executive Ibrahim Koshy told the newswire that as both airlines have the same shareholder - the sovereign Public Investment Fund (PIF) - it made sense to join forces in talks with the manufacturers. He confirmed that once firmed, the order would cover the fleet needs of both carriers.
As the new flag carrier expects to need 68-75 widebody jets, industry sources expect any potential A350 deal would be accompanied by another commitment for Boeing aircraft. Neither of the manufacturers commented on the development. RIA, which will be tasked with turning Riyadh into a major hub rivalling Dubai International, Abu Dhabi International, and Doha Hamad International, is expected to launch in 2024. The carrier will likely also order narrowbody aircraft, although it is not clear if the deal would be announced concurrently with the widebody order.
For its part, Saudia is planning to grow and renew its fleet as it intends to continue expanding even after the state launches RIA. The ch-aviation fleets module shows that the carrier currently operates forty-five A320-200s, fifteen A321-200s, twelve A330-300s, twenty A330-300Regionals, four B777-200Fs, thirty-five B777-300(ER)s, thirteen B787-9s, and five B787-10s. It has a firm order for sixteen A320-200Ns, twenty A321-200Ns, and fifteen A321-200NY(XLR)s.
