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After months of speculation about its narrow-body fleet, Saudi start-up Riyadh Air will finally reveal the supplier and size of its first order for single-aisle aircraft on Wednesday.

Gordon Smith

Riyadh Air’s chief executive will announce a major aircraft order later on Wednesday. Speaking on CNN Quest Means Business On Tuesday night, Tony Douglas dropped his biggest hints about the highly anticipated deal.

He confirmed that “another big aircraft order” would be revealed, adding that he was “excited” about the deal. While recognizing that the agreement concerns single-aisle aircraft, the CEO would not rely on a manufacturer. Airbus and Boeing products are in the running.

CNN’s Richard Quest asked if the order was for “dozens” or “dozens” of planes. The airline executive responded with an animal metaphor to offer broad direction without giving away the game.

“If you want to be a bear, be a grizzly.” (There’s no point being a koala – even though they’re very cute and very cuddly. Think of a much bigger number than that,” Douglas teased.

When asked if it was a three-digit number, Douglas said, “I probably wouldn’t go that far. »

In 2023, Riyadh Air placed its first order for aircraft. The deal was for 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for 33 more. An additional widebody contract is expected in 2025 as momentum behind the airline picks up. Wednesday’s announcement will provide the clearest indication yet of the airline’s future fleet composition.

When will Riyadh Air be launched?

Riyadh Air is fully owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund and is part of an ambitious project to boost tourism in the country. The carrier has not yet started the revenue servicewith its first flights planned for 2025.

Delays in aircraft deliveries have affected airlines around the world. The problem is particularly acute for start-up operators such as Riyadh Air, which rely on new aircraft to expand. More established airlines can often continue to operate older generation aircraft until new aircraft arrive – this is not an option for brand new businesses – especially in a tight leasing environment.

“We’ll definitely be in the air next year.” Obviously we work very hard with our entire supply chain – they work very hard with us. We are a start-up with big ambitions and we are confident that next year will be a special year for Riyadh Air,” Douglas told CNN.

He added that the airline is “well on track” to obtain its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). It is a mandatory document issued by regulators following intensive checks and testing of a company’s processes and procedures. Riyadh Air conducted certification test flights in early October.

Wednesday’s announcement will take place at FII Institute Conference in Riyadh. The carrier is also expected to reveal major new digital-focused initiatives, which Douglas described as “version 1.0 of what a digitally native airline looks like.”

Speaking earlier this month At the Routes World event in Bahrain, Douglas said the digital ads would be presented in an “Apple-style” product launch.

Where will Riyad Air fly?

The airline’s deep pockets match equally enormous goals. Riyadh Air bosses previously said the company would serve more than 100 destinations by the end of the decade. The company aims to serve most major cities, including those in the Americas, potentially adding up to $20 billion to the Kingdom’s economy.

As well as operating routes with its own aircraft, Riyadh Air has entered into a series of high-profile deals with some of the world’s largest carriers. including Delta Air Lines And Singapore Airlines.

Douglas previously said he expected two more deals to be completed. One with a Western European airline and the other with an operator from the Indian subcontinent. Both agreements will be concluded before the first Riyadh Air brand aircraft takes flight next summer.

Saudi Arabia has a tourism objective of 150 million travelers by 2030, combining international and national guests to achieve this goal. Tourism officials anticipate about 70 million international visits that same year.

Watch Tony Douglas at Skift Global Forum East 2023: