At the 2025 Paris Air Show, Riyadh Air’s announcement of 25 A350‑1000s (with options for as many again) pulled crowd focus faster than any stunt. Think $4–4.6 billion at list price—and more when you factor in customizations.
This isn’t just a win; it’s a strategic chess move for an airline designed for tomorrow and a nod of confidence in Airbus’s flagship.
What Makes the A350‑1000 a Sweet Spot?
Forget generic stats. Riyadh Air is dreaming big—pushing into four-cabin territory: First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. That top-tier First won’t arrive till the back half of the decade, and they’re taking the time to finesse it right. This tells you that they’re not winging it—they’re crafting a statement.
Airplane specifications:
Seats: 350–410 in three classes, with room for First.
Range: up to 16,500 km (8,700 NM), opening nonstop routes from Riyadh to New York and beyond.
Engines: powered by Trent XWB‑97—Rolls‑Royce’s most potent turbofan, rated at ~97,000 lb of thrust.
Fuel burn: around 20% better per seat than Boeing’s 777‑300ER—and carbon‑composite structure to boot.
These machines are built for high wingload, ultra-long routes—perfect matches for Riyadh’s lofty channel-to-hub ambitions.
Tackling the Hype
Remember the whispers? Emirates publicly balked at the XWB‑97’s reliability in Gulf heat and dust.
Rolls‑Royce heard the drumbeat and poured over $1 billion into beefing up engine durability. Middle‑East-specific upgrades are rolling out—CMAS‑proof coatings, cooler turbine cases, and even ceramic‑composite blades by 2028.
Add Airbus’s Skywise health‑monitoring and regional MRO centers, and suddenly, those grim tales from the desert sound like yesterday’s news. The Riyadh order itself went public with engine improvements front and center—no soft sell there.
Riyadh Air’s Future Plans
Since early this year, Riyadh Air’s been on a shopping spree: 39 Boeing 787‑9s, 60 A321neos, and now 25 A350‑1000s—with an option to double it.
This fits Vision 2030 like a VIP lounge fits a First-Class cabin: diversify the economy, supercharge tourism, and lock in global connectivity.
Airbus Strikes While Boeing Sleeps
With Boeing’s 777X still grounded by delay after delay (now eyeing 2026 certification), Airbus had the stage. Paris 2025? A near-$10 billion bonanza for Airbus, with Riyadh clutching a cool $4.6 billion chunk alone. Boeing’s no-shows were conspicuous while Airbus grabbed the headlines.
Let’s cut the fluff: Riyadh Air’s A350 deal broadcasts a message—stacking capable, dependable long-haul jets now, not years out. It signals Airbus’s rebound in widebody warfare and Saudi Arabia’s pivot from follower to aviation heavyweight.