Saudia, Riyadh Air to buy nearly 80 Boeing 787 aircraft: Report

787 Dreamliner airplane

Boeing Co. is expected to sell nearly 80 787 Dreamliner airplanes to state-owned Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and new national airline Riyadh Air, Reuters reported, citing unnamed sources.

These aircraft will likely cost nearly $37 billion, sources said, adding that both airlines are expected to buy a total of 78 Dreamliners and have options to buy another 43.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced on March 12 the establishment of Riyadh Air, with industry veteran Tony Douglas as CEO, Argaam reported.

Douglas expects to receive the first wide-body aircraft, and the launch of the first international flights of the new Saudi national carrier, in the beginning of 2025.