Boeing’s sinkhole continues to grow, with another airline’s plans disappearing into thin air. Yesterday, it was announced that Riyadh Air’s 2025 delivery of Boeing 787 Dreamliners would be cut in half, putting the airline’s launch date back to the third quarter of this year.
Just what a startup airline does not need
According to Bloomberg, Saudi Arabian upstart Riyadh Air will receive only four Boeing 787s this year, far fewer than the eight Dreamliners the airline had planned.
Riyadh Air (Riyadh) was planning to begin in early 2025, but the airline indicated it would not happen until the third quarter, and even that appears uncertain. According to the report, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said during an interview:
“We have obviously pivoted like everybody else has on a number of occasions to be able to adjust to the latest forecast. Given the latest forecast, I am confident that we’ll get deliveries this year. Is it completely without risk? Obviously no, it’s not.”
This must be a big disappointment for Douglas and his team, who have no choice but to endure Boeing’s delays. The airline is positioning itself as a high-class carrier equivalent to major Middle Eastern carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, therefore it won’t be able to reach its projected launch dates by bringing in outdated aircraft or wet leasing them.
A Boeing 787-9 has arrived as a technical spare
This week, a Boeing 787-9 painted with Riyadh Air’s gorgeous pearl livery arrived at King Kahlid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, this Dreamliner lacks the sumptuous amenities found on Riyadh Air’s operational fleet, and it will be mostly utilized for training and as a technical spare.
Its high-spec interior is comparable to that of a modern airliner, and it may be utilized on a regular basis if required. Riyadh has employed more than 60 pilots and cabin crew, and the spare 787 will be used for training and to support the airline’s application for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation.
According to fleet statistics from ch-aviation, this 787-9 was delivered to Oman Air in April with registration A40-SD and MSN 38892. It flew with Oman Air until November 2024 and is now registered with Riyadh Air as HZ-RXX. It has a two-class layout with 288 seats, 30 in business class and 258 in economy.
More than 100 aircraft are already in the pipeline
The majority of Boeing’s problems have occurred at its 737 factory, while supply chain issues have recently hampered 787 production at the Charleston, South Carolina plant. Douglas visited the facility and stated that some of Riyadh’s widebodies are on the assembly line, and Boeing is going out of its way to compensate for potential delays.
Riyadh Air bought 39 Boeing 787-9s in March 2023, with options for a further 33, choosing the Dreamliner for its long-range capability and exceptional ecological credentials. It was also commonly assumed that the airline would combine the 787s with a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX narrowbodies for short-haul and domestic flights.
However, in October 2024, Riyadh startled many by placing an order for 60 Airbus A321neo Family aircraft. Despite not yet receiving any of its ordered aircraft, the full-service carrier is already working on a follow-up contract for more widebody jets, with Douglas stating that he hopes to announce an agreement with either Airbus or Boeing by the second quarter of this year.
FAQ
Why did Riyadh Air postpone its launch?
Riyadh Air postponed its launch due to delays in the delivery of the Boeing 787 aircraft, which is crucial to the airline’s operations. The delay has affected their initial plans for launching flights.
When is Riyadh Air’s revised launch date?
The revised launch date for Riyadh Air is set for late 2025, after the delivery of the necessary Boeing 787 aircraft, which will enable the airline to begin its operations.
Which aircraft is Riyadh Air waiting for?
Riyadh Air is waiting for the Boeing 787 aircraft, which has been delayed in its production and delivery, affecting the airline’s ability to start operations as originally planned.
How will this delay impact Riyadh Air’s operations?
The delay in receiving the Boeing 787 aircraft will push back Riyadh Air’s launch, impacting its planned route network and growth. The airline’s initial flights were expected to operate using these aircraft.
How does this delay affect the airline industry?
The delay of Riyadh Air’s launch reflects broader supply chain issues affecting aircraft manufacturers, particularly Boeing. The delay may also impact competitive dynamics in the Middle East’s aviation sector, as Riyadh Air aims to enter a crowded market.
