Riyadh Air Willing to Acquire Boeing Jets Amid U.S.-China Trade Tensions
Deal News | Apr 28, 2025 | Zawya
Riyadh Air, a Saudi startup airline backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, is open to purchasing Boeing aircraft initially intended for Chinese airlines amid the current trade tensions between the U.S. and China. This comes after Boeing's announcement about the possibility of reselling planes due to delivery issues related to tariffs between the two regions. Riyadh Air has been proactive in expanding its fleet, having already ordered 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321-family jets. CEO Tony Douglas stated that the airline is prepared to acquire the planes if they become available and highlighted their plans to announce further wide-body jet orders soon. The airline aims to launch in Q4 2023, with recruitment efforts underway to build a workforce of 1,000 employees.
Sectors
- Aviation
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Investment
Geography
- Saudi Arabia – Riyadh Air is a Saudi startup, and the article focuses substantially on the airline's strategic moves for growth in Saudi Arabia.
- United States – Boeing, a U.S.-based aerospace company, is involved in this situation regarding the resale of aircraft initially destined for China.
- China – The potential cancellation of aircraft orders from Beijing due to trade issues with the U.S. is a crucial aspect of the article.
Industry
- Aviation – The aviation industry is central to the article as Riyadh Air, an airline company, is involved in purchasing aircraft from manufacturers Boeing and Airbus.
- Aerospace Manufacturing – Boeing, a key player in aerospace manufacturing, is at the heart of this potential transaction involving aircraft resale affected by geopolitical tensions.
- Investment – Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is backing Riyadh Air, highlighting the investment sector’s involvement in financing and supporting the airline's growth.
Financials
- 72 – Number of Boeing 787 Dreamliners ordered by Riyadh Air in March 2023.
- 60 – Number of Airbus A321-family jets ordered by Riyadh Air in October.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh Air | Potential Buyer | Company | Saudi startup airline contemplating purchasing Boeing aircraft originally destined for China. |
| Boeing | Aircraft Manufacturer | Company | U.S. aerospace company involved in the potential resale of aircraft. |
| Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund | Investor/Backer | Company | Primary financial backer of Riyadh Air. |
| Tony Douglas | CEO | Person | Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Air. |