Boeing and Airbus Eye Riyadh Air’s 50-Jet Widebody Deal, and More

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Riyadh Air Nears Decision on 50 Boeing, Airbus Widebody Jet Order

Riyadh Air is finalizing plans for a major new widebody aircraft order, indicating a potential 50-unit deal split between Boeing's 777X models and Airbus' A350-1000.

The decision, expected by mid-2025, will shape the Saudi carrier's long-haul strategy as it aims to compete with Gulf rivals like Emirates and Qatar Airways.

This follows delays in Boeing 787 deliveries that pushed Riyadh Air's launch to late 2025, though CEO Tony Douglas remains confident in securing revised delivery timelines.

Key Points

• Order Scope: Riyadh Air's major fleet purchase could include up to 50 aircraft, potentially split between Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 777Xs, both designed for over 350 passengers.

• Timeline: As per reports, negotiations are underway, with a final decision anticipated in Q1 or Q2 2025. Deliveries would likely begin in the late 2020s.

• Strategic Partnerships: The airline has existing relationships with both manufacturers, having already ordered 39 Boeing 787-9s (with options for 33 more) and 60 Airbus A321neos.

• Vision 2030 Link: This order supports Saudi Arabia's goal to transform into a global tourism hub, targeting 330 million annual passengers by 2030.

• Market Impact: A 50-jet deal could rank among the largest widebody orders of 2025 (let's wait and see), further intensifying the market-share race between Boeing and Airbus in the Middle East.

• Delivery Challenges: Boeing's ongoing 787 delays have pushed Riyadh Air's operational launch to mid-2025, but the airline remains committed to balancing its fleet mix.

What It Means

I see this potential order as another pivotal moment for Riyadh Air’s long-term ambitions.

By investing in large widebodies like the 777X or A350-1000, the airline is positioning itself to compete directly with Gulf giants like Emirates and Qatar Airways on key routes to Asia, Europe, and North America.

For Boeing, securing this deal would help offset recent order setbacks, while Airbus could leverage its A350’s operational efficiency as a selling point.

The negotiations also reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader economic strategy—using aviation as a lever to reduce oil dependency and attract foreign investment.

However, execution risks remain, particularly around delivery timelines and the airline’s ability to fill these high-capacity jets in a competitive market.

Other Key Aviation and Aerospace Industry Updates for Today 👇

United Airlines Engine Fire Forces Emergency Evacuation at Houston Airport

Yesterday morning, United Airlines Flight 1382, an Airbus A319 bound for New York's LaGuardia, had to abort takeoff at Houston's Bush Airport after flames erupted from its right wing due to an engine malfunction.

The incident occurred around 8:35 AM, leading to an emergency evacuation of 104 passengers and five crew members using slides and stairs.

No injuries were reported, and passengers were rebooked on a different flight departing at 12:30 PM CT.

The FAA is investigating the incident.

VAST Explores Helicopter Safety Rating Framework

The Vertical Aviation Safety Team (VAST) is developing a comprehensive helicopter safety rating system to encourage operators to enhance their safety equipment and practices.

The initiative, supported by EASA and FAA, evaluates helicopters based on their operational environment and mission-specific equipment.

The rating system aims to incentivize safety improvements in both light and medium/heavy helicopters, considering factors like survivability and accident prevention.

The working group has established boundaries for evaluation criteria while accounting for diverse operational scenarios.

Asian Aviation Sector Reports Double-Digit Growth in Cargo Traffic

Airlines in Asia Pacific recorded exceptional cargo performance in 2024, with freight demand growing 14.9% year-over-year, leading all global regions.

The growth was driven by surging e-commerce sales, China's manufacturing strength, and maritime shipping disruptions.

While the 2025 outlook remains positive, airlines face challenges from rising costs and aircraft delivery delays.

AI Powerhouse Altair Partners With Leading UK Aerospace University to Transform Aerospace Innovation

Cranfield University and Altair signed a memorandum of understanding last week to advance AI, simulation, and data analytics in aerospace and robotics industries.

The partnership aims to support students, researchers, and startups in developing innovative solutions for autonomous space exploration, Earth observation, and defense.

Cranfield, Europe's only university with its own airport, will collaborate with Altair's computational intelligence expertise to drive next-generation aerospace breakthroughs.

First of Four Boeing 787s Joins TAAG Angola Airlines Fleet

TAAG Angola Airlines received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking a significant fleet modernization milestone.

The aircraft, registered as D2-TEQ and leased from AerCap, features 313 seats and sports a new livery with a special "50 ANOS" decal celebrating Angola's independence anniversary.

This is the first of four Dreamliners ordered in 2023, with three more coming.

The airline plans to expand its routes to Europe, Asia, and North America while replacing aging 777s.

Critical Pilot Warning System Restored After Weekend Outage

The FAA's NOTAM system, which provides critical safety alerts to pilots, was restored Sunday after experiencing an outage Saturday night.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed a backup system maintained operations during the downtime, minimizing disruptions. By Sunday noon, there were 1,313 delays and 80 cancellations across US flights.

The aging system, which previously failed in January 2023, needs upgrading.

The incident comes during a challenging week for US aviation following two fatal crashes.

Dubai's Museum of the Future Displays Air Taxi Prototype

Dubai's RTA and Museum of the Future unveiled Joby Aviation's electric air taxi prototype, set to launch in Q1 2026.

The zero-emission vehicle can carry four passengers plus pilot, reaching speeds of 322 km/h with a 161km range. The service will connect key locations like Dubai Airport and Palm Jumeirah, cutting travel time significantly.

Dubai is vying to become the first city globally with a commercial urban air taxi service.

Jeju Air Expands Fleet With New Boeing 737-8 Amid Recovery Plans

Jeju Air received a new Boeing 737-8, marking its first fleet addition since the December 29 Muan Airport crash that claimed 179 lives.

This is the airline's third 737-8 delivery, following two in 2023, bringing its total fleet to 41 aircraft.

The delivery comes as the carrier continues fleet modernization efforts while adjusting its Q1 2025 schedule, including suspended operations at Muan Airport through April 18.

Malaysian MRO Provider Gets Chinese Approval for Falcon Aircraft Service

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has certified ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, to perform line and base maintenance on Chinese-registered Falcon 7X and 2000EX EASy aircraft, including comprehensive 4C checks.

The CAAC also renewed the facility's certification for Bombardier and Gulfstream aircraft maintenance.

With China being Asia-Pacific's largest business aviation market with nearly 300 aircraft, this approval positions ExecuJet strategically to serve increasing Chinese traffic in Southeast Asia.