Riyadh Air (RX) has ordered up to 50 new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, capable of flying non-stop from the Middle East to New Zealand.
The new carrier of Saudi Arabia is due to start flying later this year and although it hasn’t detailed its network, it plans to have services to more than 100 destinations around the world by 2030. The airline announced the order at the Paris Airshow. It includes 25 firm orders with purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft. The A350-1000 aircraft has an operational range of more than 16,000 kms, allowing the RX network to reach the farthest corners of the globe. The longest flight to New Zealand at present is Auckland-Doha at 14,500km. Riyadh is an additional 400km away.
. . . Expansion
With this new order of up to 50 planes, the start-up airline now has up to 182 aircraft on order. RX intends to offer a first-class cabin on the A350. The airline is a cornerstone of the oil-rich kingdom’s aim of building up its aviation and visitor industry to diversify the economy.
. . . Other Paris orders
Airbus has made up to USD21 billion in sales at the show with Vietjet committing to 100 A321neo aircraft, with the potential to add another 50. The airline, which plans to launch services to AKL later this year, had earlier ordered more A330neo long range planes. LOT Polish Airlines placed a firm order for 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s and Saudi Arabian lessor AviLease has placed an order for 10 A350F freighters and 30 A320neos. Brazil’s Embraer secured 77 firm orders and 55 options while Boeing firmed up an earlier commitment of 45 planes for ANA. Boeing took a low profile at the airshow, with senior executives absent in the wake of the Air India 787 tragedy.
