RIYADH, July 20, 2026, 15:05 AST
- Boeing has disclosed orders for 28 jets, of which 11 have been recorded earlier. The remaining 17 are still pending signed agreements.
- Airbus finalized an order for six additional A350-1000s, increasing Riyadh Air’s firm order count to 31.
- Saudi stocks were finishing their closing auction. Paris remained open, with regular trading in New York yet to begin.
Airbus recorded the larger near-term boost to its order book on Monday after Riyadh Air’s 34-jet expansion. Boeing secured 82% of the total aircraft count.
The distinction concerns contract status. Boeing stated that 11 planes had already been listed for an undisclosed buyer. The other 17 orders are yet to be completed.
Airbus confirmed that each of its six aircraft is a firm order. Based on available disclosures, these represent the sole distinctly new firm orders revealed on Monday. Boeing, meanwhile, continues to hold the greater long-term revenue potential.
| Supplier | Announced jets | Share of total | Disclosed status | Riyadh Air total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing | 28 | 82% | 11 already booked; 17 under review | 67 upon completion |
| Airbus | 6 | 18% | Six orders confirmed | 31 confirmed A350-1000s |
The change to the 787-10 impacts the economics more than the number of planes. According to Boeing, each 787-10 carries 50 additional seats compared to the 787-9.
A manufacturer’s initial estimate indicates nearly 1,000 extra seats will be added. This figure accounts for the 20 aircraft upgraded to the increased-capacity variant.
Range is the key difference. Boeing states the 787-10 has a range of 7,500 nautical miles, while the 787-9 offers up to 8,300 nautical miles.
Chief Executive Tony Douglas stated, “The addition of the 787-10 strengthens our ability to accommodate growing passenger and cargo demand.” MediaRoom
The upcoming Boeing batch remains significant for output, representing 17 jets, or roughly 43% of Boeing’s 787 deliveries in the first half. Boeing handed over 40 Dreamliner aircraft by June.
Airbus’s latest extension is limited compared to its current programme. Company figures show its A350 backlog at the end of June stands close to 870 aircraft. The inclusion of six further jets marks an increase of approximately 0.7%.
Riyadh Air CFO Adam Boukadida stated that increasing the A350 order “strengthens the foundation of our future network.” The additional six jets are tied to purchase rights set in 2025. Airbus
The carrier currently flies six 787-9 aircraft to six different cities. Its goal is to serve over 100 destinations by 2030. Delivery schedules and purchase amounts were not revealed by either manufacturer.
Airbus hovered around 194 euros on the Paris exchange. Boeing did not open for regular trading following its Friday closing price of $214.03.
Boeing began Farnborough with a focus on ramping up production, not unveiling new orders. Commercial aircraft head Stephanie Pope stated demand is strong, not a concern for the company. She emphasized that delivering aircraft is still the main challenge for cash flow.
Risks: Boeing’s order for 17 planes awaits completion of contracts. Delivery schedules could be pushed back by supply limitations, and soft premium demand may hinder Riyadh Air’s growth plans.
