Riyadh Air takes delivery of first Boeing Dreamliner planes

Saudi Arabia’s new national airline just received its first aircraft.

Riyadh Air took delivery of two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking a key step as the carrier prepares to launch commercial service next month.

The jets are the first arrivals from an order book that includes up to 72 Dreamliners and will be used on the airline’s inaugural route between Riyadh and London Heathrow starting July 1, according to the airline.

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air is central to the kingdom’s effort to transform Riyadh into a global aviation hub and attract a projected 150 million annual visitors by 2030.

The delivery is also a boost for Boeing, whose Gulf customers remain among its largest buyers as the manufacturer works to increase production and recover from years of operational setbacks.