Saudi dreams
Both Saudi Arabia's previous flag carrier, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), and the second, Riyadh Air, which was launched this week, have ordered B787 "Dreamliners".
Owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air said it will purchase 39 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s. Based in the kingdom's capital city, Riyadh Air is designed to play a key role in Saudi Arabia's growing air transport network.
Based in Jeddah, Saudia is set to purchase 39 787s, with a further ten options, including both 787-9 and 787-10. The carrier currently operates over 50 Boeing (and over 30 A330) airplanes on its long-haul network, including 777 and 787.
In addition to belly capacity on wide-body passenger aircraft, Saudia Cargo also has seven Boeing full-freighters (747F and 777F). (ah)