Toulouse – June 2025
Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air is expected to confirm a major order for 50 Airbus A350 aircraft during the Paris Air Show 2025, marking a big move in its global expansion plans.
The order will support Riyadh Air’s goal to connect over 100 destinations by 2030. The airline already uses Boeing 787 Dreamliners, but now wants larger and more efficient planes for long international routes.
🔗 Learn more about Riyadh Air
🔗 Details on Airbus A350
🔗 Paris Air Show official site
🔗 Saudi Vision 2030 – aviation goals
Airbus vs Boeing: A New Chapter
This deal comes as Airbus and Boeing compete fiercely for dominance in the wide-body aircraft market. Boeing recently secured new orders after a series of diplomatic visits to the Middle East. Now, Airbus is trying to match that success.
The Airbus A350 is known for its fuel efficiency, long range, and passenger comfort. It competes directly with Boeing’s 777X, which Riyadh Air is also considering.
Why Riyadh Air Matters
Riyadh Air (RX) launched in 2023 and is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s plan to become a global aviation hub. It’s backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and aims to serve as a national airline alongside Saudia.
Riyadh Air wants to offer premium travel experiences and attract both tourists and business travelers.
The new A350 fleet will help the airline cover long-haul routes to the US, Europe, and Asia.
Airbus Has Bigger Plans
The Paris Air Show 2025 is important for Airbus. The company wants to boost its A350 program and attract more long-haul orders.
But it’s not just about big jets. Airbus is also seeing demand grow for its A320neo family — a fuel-saving narrow-body aircraft popular for short and medium routes.
However, Airbus still faces supply chain delays, which could affect deliveries until 2027 or 2028. Managing these issues while growing orders is a top priority.
A Crucial Year for Aviation
2025 has been a make-or-break year for both Airbus and Boeing. Boeing, despite quality concerns and slow production, has bounced back with strong sales.
Airbus, on the other hand, is focusing on innovation, better production systems, and securing large global contracts like the one with Riyadh Air.
The Paris Air Show will be a big test of how both companies perform in a changing global market.
