Riyadh Air reported eyeing 25–30 additional Boeing 787s
If confirmed, an expanded 787 fleet at Riyadh Air would drive sustained demand for 787-typed pilots, 787-qualified licensed engineers and MRO technicians, and type-rating instructors across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf, with hiring likely accelerating 12–24 months post-order signature.
Confidence to Act: MEDIUM
Ch-aviation reports that Riyadh Air is tipped to order a further 25 to 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, a move that would meaningfully deepen the Saudi flag-start-up's widebody commitment as it builds toward full commercial operations. The airline, majority-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, already holds a substantial 787 orderbook and has positioned itself as one of the most ambitious greenfield carriers in recent memory. This additional tranche, if executed, would rank among the larger single-operator 787 block orders of the current cycle. This report originates from a single subscription-based trade outlet and is characterized as a tip rather than a confirmed order or letter of intent; confidence would rise materially upon a Boeing or Riyadh Air announcement, an SEC or regulatory filing, or corroboration from a second independent outlet.
For the workforce, a fleet expansion of this scale is a multi-year hiring programme, not a single recruitment wave. Riyadh Air will need 787-typed captains and first officers, licensed aircraft engineers with Dreamliner authorization, cabin crew, and a ground-up MRO supply chain calibrated to a GE GEnx or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 fleet. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aviation targets and the PIF's appetite for capital deployment suggest the airline will source talent globally, offering internationally competitive packages to attract experienced widebody operators who might not otherwise consider a Gulf relocation.
For training providers and type-rating centres, the signal is directionally clear regardless of final order size: Riyadh Air's 787 footprint is growing, and 787 simulator capacity in the Gulf region remains constrained relative to the demand pipeline building across Riyadh Air, Saudia, and flydeal. Professionals who hold or are close to 787 type ratings, GEnx powerplant qualifications, or Part-66 authorizations on the Dreamliner are well-positioned to monitor this operator actively.
Recommended Actions
A&P / Technician
Watch Riyadh Air and its contracted MRO partners for 787 airframe, powerplant, and avionics roles in Riyadh (RUH) and jeddah (JED). Cert value: B1/B2 Part-66 or FAA A&P with 787 or GEnx/Trent 1000 experience commands a strong Gulf premium. Posting window: pending confirmation — monitor for order announcement before committing to type-specific training expenditure.
Engineer / Program
Monitor Riyadh Air's fleet expansion programme for systems, reliability, and airworthiness engineering activity tied to 787 induction. Timeline: pending confirmation. Skills to position: 787 systems familiarity, GACA airworthiness processes, and GEnx powerplant engineering experience will differentiate candidates for both permanent and contract roles.
Consultant / Contractor
An expanding greenfield operator building a 787 fleet creates demand for technical records setup, continuing airworthiness management, and MRO vendor qualification consulting. Window: pending confirmation — scope and timing depend on order signature. Entry point: establish contact with Riyadh Air's technical operations and procurement leadership now, ahead of the formal vendor qualification cycle.
Training Provider
Anticipate incremental 787 type-rating and recurrent training demand originating from Riyadh Air in the Gulf region; position 787 simulator capacity and courseware partnerships accordingly. Program move: engage Riyadh Air's flight operations and training leadership to explore preferred-provider agreements before the post-order training pipeline is allocated to established Gulf competitors.
Capital / Finance
A 25–30 aircraft 787 add-on order represents a multi-billion-dollar capital commitment anchored by PIF backing, signalling strong operator financial health and continued Saudi aviation infrastructure investment. Portfolio implication: 787 asset values and lease rates receive modest support from demand-side pressure; lessors with unplaced 787-9 or 787-10 positions should evaluate Riyadh Air as a placement candidate. Cascade to workforce: hiring signals would follow order confirmation by approximately 6–12 months.
Source: https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/169437-riyadh-air-tipped-to-order-25-to-30-more-b787s