Riyadh Air Places $4.6 Billion Airbus Order at Paris Airshow, Sidesteps Boeing

Saudi Arabia's newly launched national carrier, Riyadh Air, made a major splash at the Paris Airshow by signing a deal to purchase 25 Airbus A350-1000 jets. The announcement, confirmed by Airbus on Monday, signals the startup's commitment to rapidly expanding its global fleet as it eyes ambitious growth targets.

The agreement also includes options for an additional 25 aircraft, potentially doubling the deal's scope. The confirmed order is estimated to be worth $4.6 billion after standard aviation discounts, according to Cirium Ascend valuations.

Strategic Bet on Airbus Over Boeing

The move comes amid ongoing speculation that Riyadh Air would opt for Boeing's 777X as its flagship model. Industry watchers were surprised to see Airbus secure the deal, especially given Saudi Arabia's broader aviation ties with U.S. manufacturers.

While Riyadh Air hasn't ruled out future Boeing purchases, this deal marks a strategic pivot toward European aircraft design and reliability. It also builds on a parallel order made at the same event by AviLease, a Saudi leasing firm that inked agreements for both Airbus passenger and freighter jets.

Impact on the Aviation Market

This sizable order places Riyadh Air among the fastest-scaling new entrants in global aviation. It's also a signal of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan in motion — aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics and tourism hub.

To understand how this deal could influence aviation sector valuations or be reflected in broader industry trends, check the Industry P/E Ratio API, which provides P/E data across sectors, including aerospace and defense.

Financing, Future Deliveries, and Aviation Stock Outlook

The structure of the deal — with 25 additional aircraft as options — suggests financial prudence while leaving room for rapid scaling. Deliveries are expected to begin before the end of the decade, with Riyadh Air targeting premium international routes from its base in Saudi Arabia's capital.

For updated financials and aircraft manufacturer performance (e.g., Airbus or Boeing), the Full Financial as Reported API can offer granular insights into how such high-volume orders impact manufacturer revenue and backlog.

Final Thoughts

Riyadh Air's blockbuster order is more than just a fleet expansion — it's a geopolitical and strategic signal. With Airbus emerging victorious over Boeing in this round, and Saudi Arabia doubling down on aviation growth, the global aircraft order race just got a lot more competitive.