RIYADH: Riyadh Air and Saudia finalized agreements to purchase 78 Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes to assist Saudi Arabia’s expanding aviation plans, officials from the Boeing company announced on Tuesday.
The said order could reach as many as 121 planes with options and constitutes the fifth largest by commercial value in Boeing’s history.
Purchase of Big Boeing 787
The current contracts are part of “a blueprint for social and economic reform that is opening Saudi Arabia up to the world,” said Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States.
While Boeing did not provide an estimate of the total value of the order, the White House said it could reach $37 billion.
“We are particularly delighted that Boeing was able to finally conclude these deals with Saudi Arabia after discussions for years,” said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre.
“The said partnership is another milestone in eight decades of cooperation between American Industry and Saudi Arabia.”
Riyadh Air, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, agreed to purchase 39 Dreamliners, along with options for 33 more jets. National carrier Saudia will buy 39 Dreamliners with options for 10 more.
