Riyadh Air has signed its first aircraft lease — a Boeing 787-9 with Saudi lessor AviLease — with the Dreamliner scheduled for delivery in Q4 2025. The deal is a key fleet milestone, supporting the carrier's move to commence commercial long‑haul operations from Q4 2025.
Discovered |
Briefing
The agreement is Riyadh Air's first lease and includes a Boeing 787-9 due in Q4 2025, a concrete step in its fleet buildout as the carrier advances toward commercial service and follows its recent inaugural Riyadh–London passenger flight.
The deal uses a Saudi-based lessor, signalling growth in domestic leasing and financing capacity as the kingdom's aviation sector attracts capital (for example, a recent $1.1B IPO by a Saudi carrier).
The arrival of a 787-9 expands Riyadh Air's long-haul capability and mirrors wider market activity in leased Dreamliners, such as another carrier placing a leased 787-9 into service, underscoring ongoing demand for widebody lease solutions (TAAG's 787-9 placement).
Reported By
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AviLease and Riyadh Air Sign First Boeing 787-9 Lease • Travel Radar
Riyadh Air, AviLease Sign Boeing 787-9 Agreement • Airways Magazine
Riyadh Air Secures First Boeing 787-9 With AviLease Deal • Aviation Week
(TR) Riyadh Air Signs Its First Leasing Agreement • airporthaber2.com
(DE) Riyadh Air leases Boeing 787-9 from Avilease • airliners.de
(DE) Riyadh Air acquires another Boeing 787-9 • aerotelegraph.com
airlinergs.com
• Eddie Saunders