Riyadh Air’s 60-A321neo Order Drives Airbus October Sales
Riyadh Air’s substantial A321neo order marks a pivotal moment for Airbus as the Saudi start-up airline ramps up its fleet in preparation for its launch. This order not only highlights the demand for narrowbody aircraft but also positions Airbus for continued leadership in the regional aviation market.
In October, Airbus saw a major boost to its order book, thanks to a significant order from Saudi Arabia’s new carrier, Riyadh Air. The airline, which is still in its early stages, placed an order for 60 A321neo aircraft, making it the standout deal of the month.
Along with Riyadh Air’s large order, Airbus received smaller commitments for the A320neo family from several customers. These include a total of 16 A320neos from undisclosed private customers and a firm order for five aircraft from Bhutan’s Druk Air, which selected three A320neos and two A321neos. American Airlines also firmed up an order for a single A321neo.
Despite a relatively quiet month for widebody aircraft orders or A220 sales, Airbus delivered 62 aircraft in October, maintaining steady progress toward its 2024 goal of 770 deliveries. The deliveries included 48 A320neo-family aircraft, along with two A350s, four A330s, and eight A220s.
Riyadh Air’s significant order reinforces Airbus’ strong position in the narrowbody aircraft market, while the ongoing delivery pace helps the company stay on track for its annual target.