Airline supply chain issues start to improve: Riyadh Air CEO

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air

Supply chains for major planemakers Boeing and Airbus are showing signs of moderate improvement, Reuters reported, citing Tony Douglas, CEO, Riyadh Air.

There are several major challenges, highlighting that supply chains are under immense pressure.

Douglas added that one ongoing obstacle is suppliers serving both Boeing and Airbus, which exacerbates the issues.

Riyadh Air is working to overcome any challenges and is currently engaged in the process of selecting additional wide-body aircraft.

According to Argaam data, Riyadh Air signed an agreement in October 2024 to purchase 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft in preparation for launching operations in 2025.

Bloomberg recently reported that Riyadh Air is in discussions with Boeing and Airbus to order an additional 50 wide-body aircraft.

The airline aims to operate flights to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030. Following its establishment, it announced its first fleet order with the purchase of 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.