HAMBURG- Riyadh Air (RX) showcase Airbus A321XLR is spotted in full livery ahead of the Paris Air Show 2025 at Paris-Le Bourget Airport (LBG). The aircraft, a testbed unit registered F-WWBZ, will be showcased by Airbus during the event from June 16 to 22, 2025.
The narrowbody jet, freshly painted at Airbus’s Hamburg-Finkenwerder (XFW) facility, now wears Riyadh Air’s signature pearl-white and purple livery. Although not part of the airline’s active fleet, the aircraft represents Riyadh Air’s growing presence in global aviation, reported AeroTime.
Photo: Tobias GudatAirbus A321XLR in Riyadh Air Livery
The Airbus A321XLR spotted in Riyadh Air’s full livery marks a significant branding move for the Saudi carrier. The aircraft, one of three A321XLR testbeds owned by Airbus, had previously featured Airbus’s house colors.
Some of you may have already spotted it
A specially painted A321 is making its way to the 55th @salondubourget. Come get a glimpse of #RiyadhAir’s signature pearl livery ahead of our first @Airbus deliveries in 2026 pic.twitter.com/pSQmW4eGSG
— Riyadh Air (@RiyadhAir) June 9, 2025
On June 9, 2025, it emerged with the striking Riyadh Air livery, including the iconic purple-lilac tail and the stylized ‘circled R’ logo.
This debut will occur at the iconic Paris Air Show, giving Riyadh Air valuable international exposure before its scheduled launch.
One of the three #A321XLR prototypes (msn 11058 F-WWBZ) has been painted in @RiyadhAir stunning pearl livery ahead of the upcoming @salondubourget Paris Air Show. Riyadh Air has 60 Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft on order together with 72 Boeing 787-9 making it a total of… pic.twitter.com/1ay69fbHIb
— Dirk Grothe | Aviation Photography (@digro65) June 9, 2025
Airbus’s choice to repaint the jet in customer livery also underlines the importance of Riyadh Air as a strategic new operator for its long-haul single-aisle aircraft.
The showcased A321XLR will remain with Airbus after the show and is not part of Riyadh Air’s confirmed fleet orders.
ALSO READ: Riyadh Air Cabin Crew Salary, New Hiring in 2025, and More
Photo: Dubai Air ShowNew A350 Order Loading
Airbus targets major A350 orders at the upcoming Paris Air Show in June 2025 as the European aircraft manufacturer seeks to strengthen its wide-body aircraft portfolio and expand market share in the Middle East region. The company’s strategic push comes as Boeing gains ground in recent wide-body competitions.
The manufacturer identifies Riyadh Air as a primary target for potential A350 orders. The Saudi Arabian carrier operates Boeing 787 Dreamliners for its long-haul operations but evaluates options for higher-capacity aircraft to support its ambitious international route expansion plans.
Airbus positions the A350 as a core wide-body solution that could complement or compete with Boeing’s 777X in Riyadh Air’s fleet planning process.
Airbus emphasizes the A350’s fuel efficiency, advanced range capabilities, and modern passenger comfort features to attract long-haul-focused airlines in the Middle East, a region recognized for premium international connectivity requirements. The aircraft manufacturer views these technical advantages as key differentiators in securing new orders from carriers expanding their international operations.
Boeing’s recent diplomatic visit to the Middle East generated significant wide-body aircraft transactions, creating momentum that Airbus now seeks to match through its own targeted campaign. The renewed competition reflects the intensifying rivalry between the two aerospace giants during the first half of 2025.
Beyond wide-body aircraft, Airbus monitors opportunities in the single-aisle market segment, where the company’s aircraft gain traction among airlines, according to Bloomberg reports. This dual-focus strategy allows Airbus to pursue growth across multiple aircraft categories while maintaining its competitive position.
The manufacturer faces increased competition from Boeing after dominating much of the previous decade in commercial aircraft sales. Boeing’s recent wide-body market wins demonstrate the American company’s renewed competitiveness in sectors where Airbus previously held stronger positions.
Airbus concentrates on restoring order, momentum, and optimizing manufacturing workflows to prevent losing market ground to its primary competitor.
The company’s operational efficiency improvements aim to support increased production rates and delivery schedules as demand for commercial aircraft continues to recover.
The Paris Air Show represents a critical testing ground for Airbus’s market appeal in the evolving commercial aviation landscape. Industry observers will closely monitor the manufacturer’s ability to secure significant orders and demonstrate its competitive strength against Boeing’s recent gains.
Photo: Clément Alloing60 Airbus A321neos Order
Riyadh Air became the newest customer for the A321neo family in October 2024, confirming a 60-aircraft deal at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh.
The signing was attended by CEO Tony Douglas and Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer. The order reflects Saudi Arabia’s push for sustainable aviation growth and Riyadh Air’s ambition to operate one of the world’s youngest, most efficient fleets.
Douglas emphasized that this order supports both Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and net-zero emissions targets. Scherer echoed the sentiment, calling Riyadh Air a key player in the region’s rapid aviation expansion.
Photo: GACACertification and Fleet Expansion Underway
On April 7, 2025, Riyadh Air received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), officially authorizing it to operate commercial flights.
The certification followed a thorough inspection of operational readiness, systems, personnel qualifications, and safety standards, affirming compliance with international norms under the Chicago Convention.
So far, the airline has 72 Boeing 787-9s on order in addition to the Airbus A321neos. Only one aircraft, a leased Boeing 787-9 named “Jamila” (HZ-RXX), currently sports the airline’s full livery. This aircraft is used for training purposes and will serve as a technical spare.
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