Riyadh Air Faces Launch Delay as Boeing Struggles Persist

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Saudi Arabia’s ambitious new airline, Riyadh Air, has pushed back its highly anticipated launch to the third quarter of 2025 due to ongoing delivery delays of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Originally set to take off by mid-2025, the carrier is now in a holding pattern as Boeing wrestles with supply chain disruptions, quality control issues, and regulatory scrutiny that have impacted its production schedule.

Boeing Delays: A Setback for Riyadh Air’s Grand Vision

Riyadh Air, a flagship component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, had initially planned to receive its first batch of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners early in 2025. However, continued setbacks at Boeing mean the airline will now receive only four aircraft this year—half of the expected eight—forcing a recalibration of launch timelines.

CEO Tony Douglas acknowledged the challenging circumstances, stating, “We have obviously pivoted multiple times to adjust to the latest forecasts. Given the most recent outlook, I am confident that we’ll receive deliveries this year, but of course, nothing is without risk.”

Riyadh Air is not alone in facing these challenges. Airlines worldwide, including Lufthansa and Ryanair, have had to revise their fleet expansion plans due to Boeing’s production setbacks. However, Riyadh Air is particularly vulnerable, as it relies entirely on the Dreamliner to commence operations.

A Stopgap Solution: A Leased 787 for Training

To maintain momentum, Riyadh Air has secured a leased Boeing 787-9, previously operated by Oman Air, which will be used for pilot training and certification. While the aircraft sports Riyadh Air’s striking livery, it does not feature the airline’s yet-to-be-unveiled premium cabin interiors.

Despite the delays, Douglas remains bullish about the airline’s prospects, promising an industry-leading passenger experience across business, premium economy, and economy cabins. The airline has yet to reveal details of its onboard product but has hinted at a revolutionary in-flight experience.

Boeing’s Broader Production Struggles

Boeing’s issues extend well beyond the Dreamliner. The manufacturer delivered only 348 aircraft in 2024, significantly lower than the 528 aircraft it managed in 2023 and less than half of Airbus’s total output. The slowdown stems from a mix of regulatory pressure, a 53-day machinists’ strike at its Washington State facilities, and lingering supply chain disruptions.

Further complicating matters, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has tightened oversight following the widely publicized Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 door plug failure, which heightened concerns over Boeing’s manufacturing standards. The result has been a production bottleneck, forcing airlines like Riyadh Air to reevaluate their fleet strategies.

A Strategic Shift: Riyadh Air Looks to Airbus

In response to Boeing’s troubles, Riyadh Air has diversified its order book. In October 2024, the airline placed an order for 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft, a move that surprised many given its initial commitment to an all-Boeing long-haul fleet. The A321neos will provide the airline with much-needed flexibility for regional and mid-haul routes, complementing its eventual Dreamliner operation.

Unlike Emirates and Qatar Airways, which focus on connecting long-haul traffic through their hubs, Riyadh Air is positioning itself as a high-yield, point-to-point carrier. The airline aims to directly link Saudi Arabia’s capital with key international destinations, tapping into growing tourism and business travel demand.

What’s Next for Riyadh Air?

Despite the setback, Riyadh Air remains central to Saudi Arabia’s aviation and economic ambitions. The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030, leveraging Riyadh Air to enhance connectivity and establish Saudi Arabia as a major international hub.

For now, the airline’s fate rests heavily on Boeing’s ability to resolve its production challenges. If delays persist, Riyadh Air may need to explore additional interim solutions, including leasing aircraft or accelerating its Airbus deliveries, to avoid further postponements.

As the industry watches closely, Riyadh Air’s eventual takeoff will not only mark the launch of a new airline but also serve as a key test of Boeing’s ability to recover from its ongoing production woes.

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Dan
Dan
Travelling on Points is the brainchild of a person who loves to travel and reap the benefits of doing so. Dan enjoys sharing the knowledge of travel as he believes that the more people travel the less narrow-minded, and more tolerant, people will be of each other.

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