Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia will receive 12 new aircraft throughout 2026 as the airline continues expanding its fleet to support international growth, tourism demand and network connectivity.

The airline said the new deliveries form part of a wider long-term transformation strategy focused on increasing operational capacity, improving efficiency and adding more international destinations.

The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia ramps up investment in aviation and tourism under Vision 2030, a national strategy aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy away from oil and positioning the country as a global tourism and transport hub.

Saudia said the expansion will help modernise its fleet while strengthening connectivity between Saudi Arabia and global markets.

The airline recently introduced its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft and said the addition of the Airbus A321neo will further expand its narrow-body fleet capabilities.

According to the airline, the A321neo aircraft will feature 20 Business Class seats and 168 Guest Class seats. The cabins will also include upgraded seating and high-speed inflight connectivity.

Airlines across the Gulf region have been investing heavily in next-generation aircraft as competition intensifies for long-haul transit traffic, tourism flows and premium passengers. Fleet modernisation has also become a key focus area as carriers seek better fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.

Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said the airline’s fleet strategy is aimed at building “capacity, efficiency, and readiness” for its next phase of growth.

“In a highly competitive aviation sector, modernising and growing the fleet must be guided by clear market insight, network requirements, and alignment with national priorities under Saudi Vision 2030,” he said.

Al-Omar added that operational readiness and workforce development are being expanded alongside the fleet growth.

He said Saudia has graduated new groups of pilots, cabin crew and maintenance specialists through aviation training programmes to support incoming aircraft deliveries.

“With Saudia’s fleet expected to reach 161 aircraft by the end of the year, additional cohorts are currently undergoing training to support future deliveries,” he said.

Saudi Arabia has been aggressively expanding its aviation sector over the past few years, with the Kingdom targeting millions of additional tourists annually through large-scale tourism, entertainment and infrastructure projects.

The aviation push has also intensified regional competition among Gulf carriers as airlines across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar expand fleets, routes and airport infrastructure to capture growing global travel demand.

Credits: Riyadh

The post Saudia’s fleet set to grow with 12 aircraft arriving in 2026 first appeared on AircrewNews.com.

This development marks the transition from exclusive “Pathway to Perfect” operations to full commercial service available to all travellers.

A New Era of Premium Air Travel

Riyadh Air has been operating daily flights between Riyadh (RUH) and London Heathrow (LHR) since late October 2025. Until now, these services used a leased Boeing 787-9, named “Jamila”, primarily for employees of the airline and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), along with their families.

This soft-launch approach allowed the airline to refine operations, crew training, and service standards ahead of public debut.

The new aircraft feature Riyadh Air’s signature interior, designed to deliver exceptional comfort and Saudi hospitality.

CEO Tony Douglas highlighted the milestone. “Today marks a truly exciting milestone for Riyadh Air as we introduce our new aircraft and signature premium experience on our established London route.”

“It demonstrates our deep commitment to delivering a truly world-class journey for our guests, one that blends exceptional comfort, cutting-edge technology and our distinctive Saudi ‘Hafawa’ hospitality from the moment they step on board.”

Cabin Design Without Traditional First Class

Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 is configured in a smart two-class-plus layout with 290 seats total. It skips a conventional first-class cabin to maximize space and yield while offering superior premium experiences.

Business Elite (4 seats)

Located in the front row, these ultra-premium suites feature 32-inch 4K OLED screens and can convert into double beds (in centre pairs) for couples. They provide enhanced privacy, storage, and a social dining space.

Business Class (24 seats)

Arranged in a spacious 1-2-1 configuration using the Safran Unity platform. Each suite offers 52-inch high walls for privacy, 22-inch 4K OLED screens, and impressive customization inspired by Saudi architecture.

Premium Economy and Economy

Further back, passengers enjoy generous Recaro seats with ample pitch and high-quality entertainment.

A standout innovation is the Devialet Euphony audio system. Integrated speakers in the headrest create a personal sound bubble with active cabin noise compensation, allowing high-fidelity audio without traditional headphones. The cabin design draws from Saudi landscapes, using calming indigo, mocha, and lavender tones for a serene atmosphere.

Route Details and Connectivity

The daily schedule includes:

• RX401: Riyadh to London, departing 2:35 AM, arriving 7:30 AM
• RX402: London to Riyadh, departing 9:35 AM, arriving 6:05 PM

This route supports Saudi Vision 2030 by strengthening ties with the UK and serving as a gateway to Riyadh’s growing network, which will eventually include destinations like Jeddah, Cairo, and Dubai.

The airline aims to serve over 100 global destinations by 2030 with a large fleet of Boeing 787-9s and other aircraft.

Conclusion

Riyadh Air’s launch represents more than a new flight schedule. It showcases Saudi Arabia’s investment in aviation excellence, combining Boeing’s efficient Dreamliner technology with bespoke design and hospitality.

Passengers can expect modern amenities, including high-speed Viasat Wi-Fi, premium dining, and a focus on comfort that rivals or exceeds established carriers.

As public sales open and new Dreamliners enter service, travellers gain a compelling new option for travel between the UK and Saudi Arabia.

Whether for business or leisure, Riyadh Air promises a fresh, luxurious journey that embodies the future of air travel.

Credits: Riyadh Air

The post Riyadh Air Introduces New Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on Riyadh-London Route first appeared on AircrewNews.com.