Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier and a wholly owned company of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has taken delivery of its first two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The aircraft arrived together at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time and were received with a water cannon salute upon landing. The aircraft are registered as HZ-RXAA and HZ-RXAB and operated under the call signs Riyadh 1 and Riyadh 2.
These two aircraft are the first deliveries from Riyadh Air’s order of 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The airline plans to use the aircraft as part of its fleet development program, which also includes a long-term plan to operate more than 180 narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.
According to the airline, the fleet expansion strategy is aimed at supporting its planned network development and establishing Riyadh as a key aviation hub.
The carrier intends to connect the Saudi capital to more than 100 global destinations by 2030 and plans to commence operations to around 20 destinations by the end of this year.
The Boeing 787-9 aircraft will be used for long-haul operations and are part of the initial phase of the airline’s operational readiness plan. Further aircraft deliveries are expected as part of the phased fleet induction program.
An epic homecoming for a historic new chapter ✈️
Our two new aircraft welcomed to Riyadh with a water cannon salute in a moment worthy of Saudi aviation history 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/RP6b6haMsc
— Riyadh Air | طيران الرياض (@RiyadhAir) June 5, 2026
Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas said that, “To see our very first custom-built Dreamliners touch down in Riyadh is a truly historic moment for us and a momentous day for Saudi aviation as part of Vision 2030. I could not be more excited or more confident about the future and the legacy we are creating. Not only are we building an airline, but we are opening a new gateway to the world from the heart of the Kingdom. We are absolutely ready and excited to welcome the world to Riyadh.”
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, noted that, “Riyadh Air is bringing to life a vision of modern world-class travel, and we are delighted to support them as they open new possibilities for the Kingdom and the world. The 787 Dreamliner gives Riyadh Air unmatched efficiency, flexibility across routes, and a beautiful interior that will deliver a phenomenal travel experience.”
The airline is expected to progressively expand its fleet and route network as additional aircraft are delivered and operational requirements are finalized.
Riyadh Air’s development forms part of broader efforts to enhance Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector and support diversification of the national economy under Vision 2030.
