Industry

Riyadh Air commits to 28 Boeing 787s, SMBC Aviation Capital orders 100 737 MAX jets

The agreement to exercise most of the options from Riyadh Air’s 2023 order also includes the conversion of 20 airplanes to the larger 787-10 variant. 

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The announcement includes a previously unidentified purchase of 11 of the ultra-efficient widebody jets. Once the remaining 17 airplanes are finalized, Riyadh Air’s firm order count will grow to 67 787 Dreamliners.

The addition of the 787-10 reflects Riyadh Air’s commitment to operating one of the world’s most modern, efficient and sustainable fleets. As the largest member of the 787 Dreamliner family, the 787-10 will boost Riyadh Air’s capacity with 50 more seats than the 787-9, while reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.


SMBC Aviation Capital has ordered 100 737 MAX airplanes, including 60 737-10 and 40 737-8 jets. The 737-10 order represents SMBC Aviation Capital’s first purchase for the 737 MAX family’s highest capacity variant. With this order, SMBC Aviation Capital increases its owned, managed and committed to portfolio for the 737 MAX family to 450 jets.

The 737-10 has the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane, seating up to 230 passengers with a range of 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km). By selecting the 737-10, SMBC Aviation Capital will be able to meet strong market demand for larger single-aisle jets, diversify its asset mix and capture a new customer base.