Paris, France — Riyadh Air has signed a multibillion-dollar agreement with Rolls-Royce for 116 Trent XWB-97 engines. These engines will power its fleet of 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The Riyadh Air Rolls-Royce engine order was formalized at the 2025 Paris Air Show. This event reinforced the airline’s long-term fleet strategy and Saudi Arabia’s aviation ambitions as outlined in Vision 2030.
The deal follows Riyadh Air’s aircraft purchase announcement earlier in the week. It includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare program. This program will provide comprehensive engine health and maintenance coverage across the new fleet.
Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 strengthens the Saudi aviation sector.
The Trent XWB-97 is the world’s most efficient large aero-engine, purpose-built for the A350-1000. It delivers 97,000 pounds of thrust, enabling ultra-long-haul flights with improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The engine will play a crucial role in enabling Riyadh Air to fulfill its commitment to operate to over 100 global destinations by 2030.
The signing took place in the presence of Adam Boukadida, Riyadh Air’s CFO, Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, and Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic.
Adam Boukadida emphasized that the agreement with Rolls-Royce marks a strategic step. It aims to establish Riyadh as a central aviation hub. Rob Watson noted that Rolls-Royce is investing £1 billion to improve the performance of the Trent engine family. This investment supports Riyadh Air’s future operations.
Vision 2030 aviation goals drive Riyadh Air expansion.
This engine order supports Riyadh Air’s broader fleet strategy, which now totals up to 182 aircraft across three fleet types. Scheduled to begin operations in late 2025, the airline has already secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). It is also preparing for its maiden flight.
The new A350-1000 aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce engines, will help connect Riyadh to major global markets. This realizes Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aviation goals. The partnership also reflects Riyadh Air’s focus on premium service, operational efficiency, and technological leadership.
Through advanced propulsion systems and proactive engine management, Riyadh Air aims to redefine long-haul travel from the Gulf. It will offer seamless connectivity and provide an industry-leading guest experience.
This Riyadh Air Rolls-Royce engine order also reflects the airline’s alignment with global sustainability benchmarks. It reinforces its commitment to operate one of the most advanced long-haul fleets in the world.
Saudi Standard’s View: Propulsion Strategy as Policy Signal
Riyadh Air’s engine selection is not merely a procurement decision—it’s a strategic declaration. The Trent XWB-97 is the industry’s most efficient wide-body propulsion system. Choosing it affirms Riyadh Air’s intent to operate not just widely but wisely.
Beyond thrust and range, the deal signals deeper priorities. These include reliability, sustainability, and alignment with global standards. With TotalCare coverage, Riyadh Air secures predictability in maintenance and lifecycle costs. These are critical factors for long-haul fleet economics and route resilience.
What stands out is timing. Announced in parallel with the Airbus A350-1000 order, the Rolls-Royce agreement shows that Riyadh Air is synchronizing platform and propulsion—not piecemeal expansion, but integrated growth. This coherence strengthens investor confidence and reinforces the Kingdom’s vision to lead not just regionally but structurally in global aviation.
In Saudi Arabia’s transformation playbook, engines are not components—they are commitments.
