As the 2025 Paris Air Show approaches, the global aviation industry is gearing up for a critical milestone. One of the most talked-about developments of this year’s event is the potential Airbus A350 order from Riyadh Air. Saudi Arabia’s new national airline, Riyadh Air (RX), is currently evaluating high-capacity widebody aircraft options to complement its existing Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.
Airbus A350 Gains Momentum in the Middle East Market
Airbus is intensifying its diplomatic and commercial efforts ahead of the Paris Air Show to generate greater interest in its A350 programme. The company is targeting airlines looking to expand their long-haul capacity as part of their global growth strategies — chief among them being Saudi Arabia’s prestigious new carrier, Riyadh Air.
The A350 stands out for its fuel efficiency, quiet cabin design, long-range capability, and enhanced passenger experience. Airbus highlights these features as particularly appealing to global transit hubs such as those in the Middle East.
Strategic Transformation in Riyadh Air’s Fleet
Riyadh Air currently operates long-haul routes with its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. However, the airline’s ambitious expansion plans and global connectivity goals have prompted a search for higher-capacity aircraft. In this context, the Airbus A350 emerges as a strong contender with its superior technical performance and optimal range-to-capacity balance.
According to Bloomberg, a potential A350 order from Riyadh Air could be one of Airbus’s most significant wins of the year.
Intensifying Rivalry Between Airbus and Boeing
The first half of 2025 has seen increasing competition between Airbus and Boeing. Boeing has gained momentum in the widebody segment with major diplomatically backed orders, while Airbus aims to close the gap with A350 deals during the Paris Air Show.
Despite facing production bottlenecks and global supply chain challenges, Airbus is determined to expand its order backlog through 2027–2028. Meanwhile, delays in Boeing’s 737 MAX programme have boosted demand for Airbus’s single-aisle A320neo family.
2025 Paris Air Show: A Pivotal Moment for Airbus
For Airbus, the Paris Air Show represents more than just new sales opportunities — it is also a strategic moment to restore market confidence. By demonstrating the advantages of the A350 to new clients like Riyadh Air, Airbus aims to counterbalance Boeing’s regional influence and strengthen its long-term order position.
According to Airbus executives, the A350 is Europe’s strongest answer to high-capacity aircraft like the Boeing 777X.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Airbus’s Strategy
In the remainder of 2025, Airbus will focus on three key priorities:
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Securing A350 orders from strategic carriers such as Riyadh Air
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Converting interest in the A320neo family into firm orders
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Overcoming production bottlenecks to shorten delivery times
The orders secured following the Paris Air Show are expected to directly impact the company’s global competitiveness.
