According to insiders, European aircraft manufacturer Airbus is in advanced negotiations with Saudi Arabia over an order for almost 40 A350 jets for a new Gulf airline.

Project name “RIA”, Riyadh hub: Saudi Arabia is developing a hub airline based on the Emirates model. According to media information, the new airline is to be officially founded in 2022. Saudi Arabia wants to finance the expansion of the airline with 30 billion US dollars from its sovereign wealth fund. A preliminary decision has apparently been made in the fleet. As “Reuters” reports, citing insiders, Saudi Arabia wants to equip RIA with 40 Airbus A350s. However, another insider said the UK is leaning more towards the 787 made by US manufacturer Boeing. A total of 75 aircraft are on the new airline's shopping list.