Riyadh Air Orders 50 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 Engines

Riyadh Air Commits to 50 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 Engines for Airbus A350 Fleet Expansion

Riyadh Air has formalized a significant agreement with Rolls-Royce to acquire 50 Trent XWB-97 engines, intended to power its forthcoming fleet of Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. This deal, announced at the 55th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, represents a pivotal milestone in the airline’s ambitious expansion strategy. The contract was signed by Riyadh Air’s Chief Financial Officer, Adam Boukadida, and Rolls-Royce’s President of Civil Aerospace, Rob Watson, in the presence of their respective chief executives.

Strategic Partnership and Technical Advancements

In conjunction with the engine order, Riyadh Air and Rolls-Royce also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for the TotalCare service program, which will manage the maintenance and operational health of the engines. The Trent XWB-97, engineered specifically for the A350-1000, is widely regarded as the most efficient large aero-engine currently available. It is expected to be instrumental in Riyadh Air’s objective to connect Riyadh with over 100 international destinations by 2030.

The airline’s fleet plans are extensive, with orders for up to 182 aircraft spanning three different types. Riyadh Air is preparing to commence operations in late 2025, following the recent acquisition of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The integration of the A350-1000s, powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest engines, will significantly enhance the airline’s capacity and network reach, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to position Riyadh as a premier global aviation hub.

Operational Challenges and Market Implications

Despite the promising outlook, the introduction of the advanced A350-1000 aircraft into Riyadh Air’s fleet presents notable operational challenges. Ensuring a smooth entry into service while maintaining high efficiency will be critical as the airline seeks to establish itself within the competitive Middle Eastern aviation market. Established carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways may respond to Riyadh Air’s expansion by adjusting their own fleet strategies, potentially intensifying competition through pricing adjustments or enhanced service offerings.

The reliability and maintenance performance of the Trent XWB-97 engines will be closely monitored, as any technical issues could disrupt Riyadh Air’s operational plans and its commitment to delivering improved connectivity and passenger experience.

Adam Boukadida underscored the significance of collaborating with industry leaders, stating, “Selecting world-class companies like Rolls-Royce to power our future Airbus wide-body fleet ensures we have the right partners in place to achieve our ambitions. This deal brings us closer to realizing our long-term vision of enhanced connectivity for Riyadh.”

Rob Watson highlighted the technological and service benefits, adding, “We’re looking forward to supporting the significant growth ambitions of Riyadh Air in its launch year. The Trent XWB-97 is an incredible engine and our TotalCare package will provide operational certainty across the fleet. The engine will benefit from the £1 billion investment we’re making in the Trent engine family, improving durability and efficiency.”

As Riyadh Air approaches its inaugural flights, its rapid expansion and strategic partnerships are poised to reshape the regional aviation landscape. Industry observers remain attentive to how the airline will navigate the operational complexities and competitive pressures that lie ahead.