PIF-backed Riyadh Air discussing narrow-body jet order with Boeing and Airbus – The National

PIF-backed Riyadh Air discussing narrow-body jet order with Boeing and Airbus – The National

Saudi Arabia's new carrier Riyadh Air is in discussions with Boeing and Airbus over the order of narrow-body aircraft as it builds a large fleet from scratch to serve 100 destinations by 2030, its chief executive has said.

The airline is considering Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320 Neo jets but a decision has yet to be made, Tony Douglas told The National on the sidelines of the 79th annual meeting of the International Air Transport Association (Iata) on Sunday.

Riyadh Air's first order in March – for 39 Boeing 787 wide-body planes, with options for 33 more, to handle long-haul flights – “will not be the last order we will make this year”, Mr Douglas said.