Riyadh Air Secures First Boeing 787-9 With AviLease Deal

Riyadh Air signed its first aircraft lease agreement with global aircraft lessor AviLease on Oct. 27 for a Boeing 787-9.

Under the deal, AviLease becomes the inaugural lessor to partner with Riyadh Air. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Riyadh Air CFO Adam Boukadida said the deal is “key” for the airline’s growth. “We are pleased to complete our first aircraft lease with AviLease as we continue building a young, fuel-efficient fleet ahead of our commercial launch,” he said.

“The Boeing 787 is a highly capable aircraft that will play an important role in delivering a world-class travel experience for our future guests. This agreement marks an important step in establishing Riyadh Air as a leading global airline.”

AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne added, “We are continuing to build our investment-grade leasing platform to compete at the top of the industry, globally. Yet, we are also very clear on our role in helping build-up the Saudi aviation ecosystem.”

The signing follows Riyadh Air’s inaugural flight on Oct. 26, when a 787 touched down at London Heathrow Airport.

The aircraft, formerly operated by Oman Air, currently serves as the airline’s technical spare and supports daily operations between Riyadh and London as the carrier prepares for future fleet deliveries from Boeing.