Saudia receives first two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

The airline made an order for eight 787-9s in 2012, with a third Dreamliner scheduled to be delivered to Saudia within the next week. With the delivery, Saudia becomes the 12th airline in the world to operate the B787-9, and only the second in the Middle East, following Etihad Airways. "The delivery of our first Dreamliners marks yet another exciting chapter in Saudia's long-standing relationship with Boeing that began in the early 1960s," said HE Eng. Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser, Director-General, Saudi Arabian Airlines. "With its reputation for reliability, operational efficiency and comfort, we now look forward to the 787 becoming an integral addition to Saudia's fleet as we continue our fleet modernization and expansion as part of our transformation plans." The airline now has 48 Boeing aircraft in its fleet, including 777-200ERs, 777-300ERs and 747-400s. Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner said, "Today, we are proud not only to have Saudia join our growing base of 787 customers in the Middle East, but also at the airline's continued confidence in Boeing's technology and airplanes over the years." Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family serves more than 350 routes around the world and is the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing’s history.

One of Saudia's first Beoing 787-9 Dreamliner