Last week, US aircraft manufacturer Boeing hosted a visit from Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States.
The visiting entourage also included leaders from Saudi carriers SAUDIA and Riyadh Air and took place at the Boeing South Carolina facility.
Fifth largest commercial order
The visit followed the March announcement for the two Saudi airlines who negotiated the purchase of a combined total of up to 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA, and Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, addressed more than 3,000 Boeing teammates and toured the 787 final assembly building.
The fleet orders will be among the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history, supporting American aerospace manufacturing jobs at Boeing and across its supply chain.
SAUDIA
National flag carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) plans to grow its long-haul fleet with the acquisition of up to 49 787 Dreamliners. Last month Boeing announced the SAUDIA arrangement to purchase 39 787s, with a further 10 options. This agreement will include both 787-9 and 787-10 models.
Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air, a new Saudi Arabian carrier, also chose the 787 Dreamliner to power its global launch and support its goal of operating one of the most efficient and sustainable fleets in the world.
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Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air plans to purchase 39 highly efficient 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s.
Based in the capital city, Riyadh Air will play a key role in growing Saudi Arabia’s air transport network.
Saudi Arabia Vision 2030
Last month’s bulk aircraft purchase formed part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub.
This will support the country’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.
The purchase is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic Vision 2030, with the goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors by 2030.
Very broadly, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is built around three primary themes: a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation.
The bold vision to set the Kingdom on a development trajectory into 2030 was established by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, which is chaired by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
787-9 Dreamliners
The 787-9 provides the longest range of the 787 family of airplanes, flying approximately 300 passengers 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), with additional cargo capacity.
Passengers enjoy a better experience with the largest windows of any jet. The aircraft also provides air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort.
Passenger cabin features include large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag; soothing LED lighting, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.
The 787 family is delivering unmatched fuel efficiency to airline operators around the world reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to airplanes they replace.
Header photo from left to right: Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air; Dave Calhoun, president and CEO of The Boeing Company; Her Royal Highness Princess Reema, Ambassador of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States; Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA.
