Latest news with #A350-1000
Gulf Insider
13 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Riyadh Air Orders Up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 Jets
Riyadh Air has signed a major agreement with Airbus to purchase up to 50 A350-1000 aircraft, reinforcing its ambitious plans to become a global aviation leader. The deal, unveiled at the 55th Paris Airshow, includes 25 firm orders and purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft. The agreement was signed at a ceremony attended by top aviation and government leaders, including Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Chairman of Riyadh Air, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, and Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer. With an operational range of more than 16,000km, the Airbus A350-1000 will empower Riyadh Air to connect the Saudi capital with major cities worldwide, supporting its goal of flying to more than 100 global destinations by 2030. The aircraft's range and capacity align perfectly with Saudi Arabia's plans to host global events including Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF Governor and Chairman of Riyadh Air said: 'Our new national carrier is set to take to the skies in the near future, and as a fundamental element of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure, will connect our capital city to over 100 international destinations around the globe by 2030. 'With its outstanding range, adding the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet demonstrates the strategic contribution of Riyadh Air in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub.' Riyadh Air will begin operations in 2025 with a three-type aircraft fleet, of which the A350-1000 will serve as a cornerstone. With up to 182 aircraft now on order, the airline aims to offer best-in-class passenger experiences through innovative cabin design, stylish First-Class options, and state-of-the-art digital and entertainment systems. Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said: 'Riyadh Air is making significant progress as we move towards our first flight later this year and agreeing this deal for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is an important statement of intent. 'Already in 2025, we have received our AOC and unveiled our new cabin interiors and having now completed our initial three aircraft orders, we are in a position to fulfil our ambitious network goals. 'We play an important role in the evolution of the Saudi aviation ecosystem with the aim to create 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute almost $20bn to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP.' Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said: 'We are honoured to support Riyadh Air's bold vision with the A350-1000, the world's most modern and efficient widebody aircraft. 'This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation and decarbonization whilst connecting the vibrant Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the world! Riyadh Air's selection of the A350-1000 underscores the aircraft's unmatched capability to deliver premium passenger experience and operational excellence—perfectly aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030.' Backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, PIF, Riyadh Air is a key driver of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and elevate its global connectivity. The airline is expected to play a significant role in: Boosting international passenger and cargo traffic Supporting the Saudi National Transport and Logistics Strategy Enabling tourism by linking travellers with Saudi Arabia's cultural, historic, and natural sites Positioning Riyadh as a global business and travel hub With operations launching in late 2025, Riyadh Air is poised to become one of the most advanced carriers in the world, setting new standards in aviation experience, sustainability, and connectivity. Also read: UAE Airline Flight Suspension Update: Etihad, Flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates Travel Latest
Daily Tribune
13 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Riyadh Air Orders 25 Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft, Eyes Future Expansion
AFP | The Hague, Netherlands Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new premium international airline, has confirmed a major order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with the potential to double the number to 50 in the future. The deal was officially signed during the Paris Air Show and attended by key figures including H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, and Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. This makes Riyadh Air the first Saudi airline to operate the A350-1000, a long-range aircraft known for its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort. The purchase supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to increase air traffic to 300 million passengers annually and position the Kingdom as a global hub for aviation and tourism. Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, called the order 'a significant step' in building a world-class airline. He said the A350-1000 will help the airline meet sustainability targets and provide passengers with a premium travel experience. Airbus executive Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said the aircraft will help Riyadh Air achieve its growth ambitions. 'The A350-1000 is the perfect aircraft for expanding long-haul routes while meeting efficiency and comfort expectations,' he added. The A350-1000 is one of the most modern wide-body aircraft in the world, offering the longest range of any commercial airliner currently in production. It is also designed to fly with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus aiming to make all its aircraft fully SAF-compatible by 2030. As of May 2025, more than 1,390 A350 aircraft have been ordered by over 60 airlines globally, with 657 already in operation on routes of varying distances.
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Riyadh Air to order 25 Airbus A350 jets at air show, sources say
PARIS, June 11 (Reuters) - Saudi startup Riyadh Air is set to place a firm order for 25 Airbus ( opens new tab A350-1000 jets, industry sources said. The airline, previously reported to be considering buying up to 50 jets, will finalise the order at next week's Paris Airshow, where fellow Public Investment Fund subsidiary AviLease is also seen as close to a deal for 40 Airbus planes. Both Saudi companies have also placed orders for Boeing jets. Airbus and Riyadh Air declined to comment.
Man of Many
02-06-2025
- Business
- Man of Many
Etihad Airways Will Soon Fly its Flagship Airbus A350-1000 to Sydney, Here's What it's Like Onboard
By Ben McKimm - News Published: 2 June 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 5 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Etihad A350-1000 begins Sydney route 1 October 2025. Becomes exclusive daily service from 31 January 2026. Business Class includes sliding door, flat bed, wireless charging, 18.5' screen. Overall seat capacity grows 10%, premium seats increase 20%. Competes with Qatar A350 and Turkish Airlines' upcoming Istanbul route. Etihad Airways will fly its flagship latest-generation Airbus A350-1000 from Abu Dhabi to Sydney, and back from 1 October 2025 before it becomes an exclusive service from 31 January 2026. That means travellers will have access to one of the best business class services in the world from right here in Australia, an experiene that includes an 18.5-inch TV screen, built-in wireless charging dock, forward facing with direct aisle access, and seat that converts into a fully flat bed of 79 inches (200 cm) in length. The news comes after Turkish Airlines announced its non-stop Sydney to Istanbul service in December last year—set to begin in late 2026 on board a long-range version of the same Airbus A350-1000. Compared to Etihads Abu Dhabi service, the Turkish Airlines Sydney to Istanbul non-stop flight will open the door to more than 340 destinations across 130 countries on a one-stop itinerary, and considering our recent expeirence on-board a Turkish Airlines A350 from Istanbul to Jakarta, it's something we're looking forward to! Now, let's take a closer look at what you'll get on-board the Etihad Airways A350-1000 from Sydney to Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways A350-1000 | Image: Supplied / Etihad Airways Etihad Airways was ranked 9th on 2025 list and was only beaten by Korean Air, Qatar, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Japan Airlines, and Qantas. However, these rankings don't usually tell you the full story, as each route is different, with some airlines using older airplanes our of Australia, including Etihad Airways who was previously using the Boeing 777-300 ER before the current Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. We're yet to get on-board Etihad Airways out of Australia, but these are the best carriers we've experienced from Sydney: Qatar Airways Emirates Singapore Airlines Qantas Cathay Pacific Airways Delta Traditionally, airlines that aren't part of a major airline alliance like oneworld, Star Alliance, or SkyTeam struggle to attract loyal customers in Australia. However, Etihad's A350-1000 has one trick up its sleeve—it's one of two planes flying to the Middle East that offers a sliding door in Business Class. It will compete directly with Qatar Airways' Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 Qsuite out of Sydney. 'We are delighted to bring more premium travel options to Australia with the arrival of our A350 on this important route,' said Arik De, Etihad's Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer. 'When the schedule is fully deployed early next year, we will have grown overall seat availability by ten per cent, and premium seat count by over 20 per cent.' 'We have increased our flight frequencies to Sydney this year, offering guests greater flexibility and enhanced connectivity across our expanding global network. This growth provides more seamless travel options to key destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and also welcomes more visitors to our home in Abu Dhabi, where they can enjoy our exclusive stopover program, featuring one or two-night complimentary stays at a premium hotel.' Etihad Airways A350-1000 | Image: Supplied / Etihad Airways Etihad Airways A350-1000 | Image: Supplied / Etihad Airways Etihad Airways A350-1000 | Image: Supplied / Etihad Airways Etihad Airways A350-1000 | Image: Supplied / Etihad Airways The Etihad Airways A350-1000 service from Sydney to Abu Dhabi will start as a four time weekly service (Mon, Weds, Fri, Sat) from 1 October 2025 leaving at 21:30 pm while the Boeing 787-9 will service every other time slot from (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun) at 15:40 pm and Saturdays at 21:30 pm. The Airbus A350-1000 service will then replace the Boeing 787-9 service from from 31 January 2026 with the following time slots: EY450 Route: Abu Dhabi to Sydney Departure: 09:40 Arrival: 06:10 (+1 day) Days: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun EY451 Route: Sydney to Abu Dhabi Departure: 16:20 Arrival: 23:55 Days: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun EY454 Route: Abu Dhabi to Sydney Departure: 21:55 Arrival: 18:35 (+1 day) Days: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun EY455 Route: Sydney to Abu Dhabi Departure: 21:30 Arrival: 05:00 (+1 day) Days: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun Once it's fully deployed early next year, Etihad will have grown overall seat availability by 10% and premium seat count by over 20%. Business Class will account 44 Business Studios, and each has a sliding door, forward facing seat with direct aisle access, converts into a fully flat bed of 79 inches in length, Noise-cancelling headphones or Bluetooth headphone pairing, 18.5-inch TV screen, and built-in wireless charging dock. While business class onboard the new Etihad Airways A350-1000 from Sydney will be the flagship experience, there's also 327 Economy Smart Seats that feature the brands innovative recline feature alongside a 13-inch touch screen and Bluetooth headset pairing. Like other airlines, Etihad offers complimentary Chat packages on Wi-Fi, but you can also opt for full internet connectivity throughout the flight from Sydney to your chosen destination. More information about the new route can be found at the brands website, linked below.
Al Etihad
21-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Etihad Airways delivers record-breaking Q1 2025 results
21 May 2025 10:48 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Etihad Airways has delivered record-breaking financial performance and the highest-ever customer satisfaction performance in the first quarter of 2025, building on last year's momentum with further notable improvements across revenue, operational efficiency, and fleet after tax reached Dh685 million ($187 million), marking a 30 per cent increase year-on-year, driven by robust passenger demand and operational efficiencies. Total revenue saw a 15 per cent rise compared to Q1 2024, supported by both passenger and cargo continues to lead the Middle East region in passenger growth, carrying 5 million guests in Q1 2025 – a 16 per cent year-on-year increase – and maintaining strong momentum into Q2. With nearly 20 million passengers carried over the last 12 months, Etihad is the fastest-growing airline in the Middle East satisfaction reached a record high in Q1 2025, with scores improving by 20 per cent year-on-year. Gains were recorded across key touchpoints, including check-in, boarding, inflight service, food and beverage, Wi-Fi, and the updated website and mobile app. The quarter also saw the launch of a new lounge and inflight menus, alongside upgraded service fleet continued to expand to support the guest experience. One additional A380 returned to service during the quarter, offering First Apartments and The Residence. In April, Etihad took delivery of another A350-1000, with another Boeing 787 Dreamliner to follow. These new aircraft feature ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi and updated inflight entertainment also advanced its premium offering, expanding First Class to more routes and preparing new ground and inflight services for rollout from August. In April, the airline introduced its new A321LR cabin, becoming the first in the Middle East region to offer First Class on a single-aisle aircraft. The cabin features exclusive private First suites and lie-flat Business seats, bringing widebody comfort to medium-haul routes. The broader First-class experience will include a new concierge service, private chauffeur transfers, dedicated check-in, meet-and-assist service, and baggage-free travel options in Abu Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: 'We are proud to deliver a record-breaking quarter, both in profitability and in guest satisfaction. Achieving our highest-ever Q1 profit of AED685 million and our best-ever customer satisfaction scores reflects the strength of our business and the dedication of our people.'We're executing a clear strategy: grow sustainably, operate efficiently, and never lose focus on delivering remarkable experiences to our guests. From continued refinements to our onboard offering to improved airport services and the debut of our A321LR with a market-leading narrowbody product, we're raising the bar in every part of the journey.'Our network continues to expand with 16 new routes announced for 2025 and additional aircraft joining our fleet. As we grow, we remain disciplined and focused on quality, efficiency, and creating value for our customers and stakeholders.'Passenger revenue grew by 16 per cent reaching Dh5.5 billion ($1.5 billion), driven by increased capacity, continued network expansion and increased flight growth was boosted by a 14 per cent rise year-on-year in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) and an improved passenger load factor of 87 per cent (+1 pp year-on-year). Fleet expansion accelerated, with 98 aircraft in operation by the end of the quarter, including the reintroduction of Etihad's sixth A380. The operating fleet further grew in April with the delivery of an additional A350-1000 in operated 80 destinations as of March 2025, with 16 new routes launching this year to support continued growth and broaden access to key global cargo yield led to cargo revenue growth of 8 per cent year-on-year, despite a 4 per cent reduction in strong operational performance is reflected in the EBITDA, which rose by 32 per cent year-on-year, reaching Dh1.4 billion ($ 379 million), boosting the EBITDA margin to 21 per cent (+3 pp compared to the same period of 2024).Further strengthening financial resilience, net leverage improved to 1.1x, down from 1.9x in March 2024, driven by scheduled debt repayments and strong cash generation. Cash flow from operations reached Dh1.8 billion ($500 million), reflecting an 11 per cent increase year-on-year. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
