Key facts
- Riyadh Air is considering ordering 25-30 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
- The potential order would utilize most of the airline's existing options.
- Boeing delivered 314 aircraft in the first half of the year, up 12% year-over-year.
- Boeing's first-half deliveries were the highest since 2018.
- Boeing delivered 13 787s in June, including five for Riyadh Air that were delayed by seat certification.
Saudi Arabian startup airline Riyadh Air is reportedly evaluating the acquisition of an additional 25 to 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which would involve exercising a significant portion of its existing contractual options. The airline had initially ordered up to 72 Dreamliners, comprising 39 firm orders and options for 33 more. An announcement could be made as early as the upcoming Farnborough Airshow, though discussions are ongoing and both parties declined to comment.
This potential order comes as Boeing announced its highest first-half deliveries since 2018, with 314 aircraft delivered through June, a 12% increase year-over-year. The planemaker delivered 64 jets in June, including 42 737 MAX and 13 787s. Five of the 787 deliveries were for Riyadh Air and had been held up by seat certification delays. Boeing also booked 113 net new orders in June.