Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Embraer Reports 5 Percent Increase in Q3 2025 Aircraft Deliveries
Embraer delivered 62 aircraft in Q3 2025, showing growth in commercial and executive jets amid global aviation recovery.

Embraer Reports Strong Q3 2025 Aircraft Deliveries, Demonstrating Resilience in Global Aviation Recovery
Embraer S.A., the Brazilian aerospace giant, delivered 62 aircraft during the third quarter of 2025, marking a notable 5% increase from the 59 aircraft delivered in the same period of 2024. This performance underscores the company’s continued strength across its diverse portfolio, with 41 executive jets, 20 commercial aircraft, and one defense aircraft contributing to the quarterly total. The delivery figures represent a marginal improvement from the second quarter of 2025, when 61 jets were delivered, and significantly exceed the third quarter of 2024 performance. The results position Embraer on track to meet its annual delivery guidance, with projections of 77-85 commercial aircraft deliveries and 145-155 executive jets for the full year 2025, representing growth of approximately 10% and 15% respectively compared to the previous year. This performance occurs against the backdrop of a recovering global aviation industry, where regional jets continue to play a crucial role in connecting secondary markets and supporting airline network strategies.
Background Information and Company Overview
Embraer’s position as a leading aerospace manufacturer stems from its founding in 1969 as a state-owned enterprise in Brazil, with initial government funding supporting its entry into the commercial aviation market. The company has evolved significantly over more than five decades, delivering over 9,000 aircraft to more than 100 countries and 60 armed forces across five continents. This extensive delivery record has established Embraer as the world’s third-largest producer of civil aircraft and the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats.
The company’s transformation from a state-owned entity to a private corporation occurred in 1994, a pivotal moment that granted greater autonomy and flexibility in business operations while facilitating access to private capital markets. This privatization enabled the innovation and expansion that would later define Embraer’s success in the global aerospace market. The company’s business model encompasses four primary segments: Commercial Aviation, Executive Jets, Defense & Security, and Agricultural Aviation, each contributing to its diversified revenue streams.
Embraer’s operational scale is remarkable, with aircraft manufactured by the company taking off somewhere in the world approximately every 10 seconds, transporting more than 150 million passengers annually. This frequency demonstrates the widespread adoption and reliability of Embraer aircraft across global aviation networks. The company maintains a substantial global footprint with industrial operations in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Portugal, supported by a comprehensive service and support network spanning multiple continents.
The company’s workforce of over 23,000 employees globally operates under the “One Embraer” philosophy, which facilitates knowledge and technology exchange across different business units and subsidiaries. This collaborative approach enables the company to overcome the inherent technological challenges of the aerospace and defense industry while maintaining its position as an innovation leader. Innovation has been central to Embraer’s growth strategy, with the company consistently investing in research and development to build new perspectives for a more environmentally friendly future.
Market Position and Competitive Landscape
Embraer operates in a highly competitive aerospace market where it competes primarily with Bombardier in the regional jet segment and faces increasing competition from the Airbus A220 in the larger regional aircraft category. The regional jet market has experienced significant evolution over the past three decades, with aircraft families such as the ERJ, CRJ, and E-Jets reshaping flying in short- and medium-haul segments. These smaller jets have been adopted by airlines for their efficiency, flexibility, and capability to unlock new point-to-point business, particularly in sparsely served markets that larger aircraft cannot reach economically.
The ERJ series marked Embraer’s breakthrough entry into the regional jet market following its debut at the 1989 Paris Air Show. The ERJ 145, which entered service in 1997 with a 50-passenger capacity, became a staple of U.S. regional fleets alongside shorter versions including the ERJ 135 and ERJ 140. A total of 1,227 ERJs were produced, with over 650 remaining active as of 2024, demonstrating the longevity and reliability of Embraer’s design philosophy. Major operators including United Express and American Eagle’s Envoy Air continue to rely on these aircraft, though many have transitioned to larger E-Jets as fleet modernization efforts continue.
The E-Jets program represents Embraer’s most significant market success, redefining the regional aircraft market with improved efficiency and passenger comfort. The E-Jets family includes the E170, E175, E190, and E195, designed to bridge the gap between regional and mainline jets while offering optimized capacity and efficiency for airlines. The newer E-Jets E2 generation, including the E195-E2 with capacity for up to 146 seats and range of 4,815 kilometers, demonstrates Embraer’s continued innovation in aircraft design and performance.
“The regional jet market has been transformed by the introduction of more efficient and flexible aircraft, allowing airlines to serve markets that were previously uneconomical.”
Third Quarter 2025 Delivery Performance Analysis
Embraer’s third quarter 2025 performance of 62 aircraft deliveries represents a comprehensive success across all business segments, demonstrating the company’s ability to execute on its production and delivery commitments. The quarterly breakdown reveals 20 commercial aircraft deliveries, significantly outperforming both the second quarter of 2025 with 19 deliveries and the third quarter of 2024 with 16 deliveries. This commercial aviation performance indicates strong demand recovery and Embraer’s successful navigation of supply chain challenges that have affected the broader aerospace industry.
The commercial aircraft segment’s performance was led by the E195-E2 model, with 11 of the 20 commercial deliveries consisting of Embraer’s largest aircraft currently in production. This concentration on the E195-E2 reflects market demand for larger regional aircraft that can efficiently serve higher-density routes while maintaining the operational flexibility that regional jets provide. The E195-E2’s popularity among airlines stems from its advanced fuel efficiency, reduced operating costs, and enhanced passenger comfort features that position it competitively against both smaller regional jets and larger narrow-body aircraft.
Executive aviation proved to be a standout performer in the quarter, with 41 aircraft deliveries maintaining pace with the 41 units delivered in the third quarter of 2024 while exceeding the 38 jets delivered in the second quarter of 2025. The Phenom 300 dominated executive jet deliveries with 20 units, reinforcing its position as the fastest light jet in production and market leader for 13 consecutive years. The Phenom 300’s continued success reflects the strength of the business aviation market and Embraer’s ability to maintain its competitive advantage in this high-margin segment.
The defense segment contributed one KC-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft to the quarterly total, compared to two deliveries in the same period of 2024. While this represents a decrease in defense deliveries, it reflects the typical variability in defense contracts and delivery schedules rather than any fundamental weakness in the program. The KC-390 Millennium continues to gain international recognition, with recent orders from NATO members including the Czech Republic’s acquisition of two aircraft in October 2024.
“The E195-E2 and Phenom 300 continue to anchor Embraer’s success, demonstrating strong demand for both commercial and executive aviation products.”
Financial Performance and Market Implications
Embraer’s delivery performance in the third quarter of 2025 builds upon the strong financial foundation established in previous periods, with the company achieving record-breaking performance metrics in 2024. The third quarter of 2024 demonstrated exceptional financial strength, with consolidated revenue of $1,692 million representing a 32% year-over-year increase and 13% quarter-over-quarter growth. This revenue performance was driven by solid contributions from Defense & Security and Executive Aviation segments, both of which increased revenues by 65% year-over-year.
The Executive Aviation segment’s financial performance has been particularly noteworthy, with revenues totaling $561.5 million in the third quarter of 2024, representing a 65% year-over-year increase due to higher aircraft deliveries and improved product mix. This exceptional performance marked the best third quarter and first nine months in terms of both revenues and deliveries ever registered by the business unit. The segment’s gross margin improved from 21.8% to 23.4% year-over-year, while the Adjusted EBIT margin increased dramatically from 10.7% to 16.3%, demonstrating the positive impact of higher volumes on profitability.
The company’s firm order backlog reached a record level of $22.7 billion in the third quarter of 2024, representing a nine-year high that was more than 25% higher year-over-year and almost 10% higher quarter-over-quarter. This substantial backlog provides significant revenue visibility and demonstrates strong customer confidence in Embraer’s aircraft portfolio. The backlog growth reflects successful sales efforts across all business segments and positions the company well for sustained production and delivery performance in future periods.
Embraer’s stock performance has reflected both the company’s operational success and broader market dynamics affecting aerospace stocks. Despite the positive delivery performance in the third quarter of 2025, Embraer’s shares fell by 5.8% on the day of the announcement, closing at R$75.71 with 7.24 million shares traded. This market reaction suggests that while the delivery numbers met expectations, investors may have been seeking even stronger performance or were influenced by broader market sentiment affecting aerospace and defense stocks.
Analyst consensus on Embraer remains generally positive, with current recommendations including three buys, one hold, and one sell rating. The company’s Smart Score analysis indicates particular strength in growth prospects with a score of 5, along with robust momentum scoring 4 out of 5. While value and dividend scores are more moderate at 2, the resilience score of 3 highlights Embraer’s ability to navigate market challenges effectively. These scores collectively suggest a positive trajectory for Embraer, particularly in terms of future growth potential and market momentum.
Industry Trends and Aviation Market Recovery
The global aviation industry continues its recovery from the unprecedented disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with regional jets playing an increasingly important role in airline network strategies. International passenger demand demonstrated strong growth in August 2025, with Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs) increasing 6.6% year-over-year and achieving historic high load factors. This recovery pattern has been particularly pronounced in international markets, which accounted for 87% of the net increase in global RPK growth during August.
Regional aviation has exhibited some of the strongest air traffic growth within the commercial aviation sector, with the market expected to triple in size over the next 20 years due to growing trends toward low-cost and ultra-low-cost airlines. The global regional jet market size was valued at $12.62 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from $13.47 billion in 2024 to $19.58 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. North America dominated the regional jet market with a 36.13% market share in 2023, reflecting the continued importance of regional connectivity in mature aviation markets.
The shift toward new-generation aircraft has become a defining trend in the aviation industry, bringing both safety improvements and operational efficiencies while also presenting challenges in terms of higher maintenance and repair costs. Airlines have accelerated retirement schedules for older, less fuel-efficient aircraft, creating opportunities for manufacturers like Embraer to capture replacement demand with more advanced and environmentally friendly aircraft designs. The focus on fleet modernization has been particularly pronounced in the regional jet segment, where operators seek to balance operational costs with environmental responsibilities.
Airbus’s Global Market Forecast for 2025-2044 projects significant growth in aviation demand, with a global requirement for 43,420 new passenger and freighter aircraft over the next 20 years. This forecast anticipates 34,250 typically single-aisle aircraft and 9,170 typically widebody aircraft, with approximately 18,930 aircraft deliveries replacing older-generation models. The forecast emphasizes the importance of fleet modernization for enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact per passenger kilometer.
“Regional jets have become essential tools for airlines seeking to optimize their networks for efficiency and flexibility, especially in a post-pandemic environment.”
The regional jet market’s growth has been supported by increased passenger air traffic and the growing trend of air travel as the safest mode of transportation. Regional aircraft contribute efficiencies to airline networks while ensuring safe and seamless flexibility in operations while meeting environmental obligations. Modern regional jets equipped with new technologies provide crucial success factors for manufacturers by increasing demand through better passenger experiences and reducing operating costs through lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance requirements, and decreased navigation and airport fees.
Network experimentation has emerged as a significant trend in post-pandemic aviation, with over 1,400 new air routes scheduled to operate in 2021, more than double those added in 2016. Regional airports have been the main beneficiaries of this expansion, driven by Europe’s addition of over 600 new routes and Asia Pacific’s contribution of over 500 routes. This route proliferation reflects airlines’ desire to experiment during uncertain times and capitalize on opportunities in underserved markets where regional jets provide optimal capacity and efficiency.
Delivery Forecasts and Strategic Outlook
Embraer’s delivery guidance for 2025 demonstrates confidence in the company’s ability to sustain growth momentum across its primary business segments. The commercial aviation projection of 77-85 aircraft deliveries represents a midpoint that is approximately 10% above the previous year’s performance. This forecast indicates management’s expectation for continued recovery in commercial aviation demand and successful execution of the company’s production and delivery capabilities.
The executive aviation segment shows even stronger growth prospects, with projected deliveries of 145-155 jets representing a midpoint increase of approximately 15% year-over-year. This robust forecast reflects the resilient demand in business aviation, which has demonstrated remarkable strength throughout the industry recovery period. The business aviation market has benefited from increased corporate travel efficiency requirements and continued investment by high-net-worth individuals in private aviation assets.
Embraer’s ability to achieve these delivery targets depends significantly on its supply chain management and production efficiency. The company has demonstrated consistent quarterly performance with deliveries ranging between 61-62 aircraft in recent quarters, suggesting stable production processes and effective management of supplier relationships. The consistency of this performance across different quarters indicates that Embraer has successfully navigated the supply chain challenges that have affected many aerospace manufacturers during the post-pandemic recovery period.
The company’s strategic focus on profitable growth, driven by efficiency and innovation, positions it well to capitalize on market opportunities while maintaining operational discipline. Embraer’s current product portfolio represents the most modern, cost-effective, and technologically advanced offerings in its history, demonstrating high capabilities in technology and innovation. The ongoing development of advanced and low-emission technologies further positions the company to shape the future of air mobility as environmental considerations become increasingly important in aircraft selection decisions.
The regional jet market’s evolution toward larger aircraft reflects scope clause limitations in the United States and changing airline economics that favor higher-capacity regional jets. The trend toward 70-100 seat jets such as the E175 and CRJ900 has dominated regional fleet additions, with first-generation 50-seat aircraft being phased out in favor of more economical larger aircraft. This market evolution favors Embraer’s E-Jets family, particularly the E175 and larger variants that provide optimal economics for regional operations while meeting scope clause requirements.
Competitive Positioning and Market Share Analysis
Embraer’s competitive position in the global aerospace market has been strengthened by its focused strategy on regional and business aviation segments where it maintains technological and market leadership. The company’s E-Jets family has achieved significant market penetration, with the platform’s success contributing to Embraer’s position as the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats. This market positioning provides significant advantages in terms of customer relationships, service network coverage, and economies of scale in production and development.
The business aviation segment represents a particular area of competitive strength for Embraer, with the Phenom 300 maintaining its position as the world’s best-selling light jet for 13 consecutive years. This sustained market leadership reflects not only the aircraft’s performance characteristics but also Embraer’s ability to continuously enhance the product through technology upgrades and customer-focused improvements. The Phenom 300’s success has established Embraer as a premium brand in the light jet segment while providing significant margin contributions to overall financial performance.
In the commercial aviation segment, Embraer faces intensifying competition from the Airbus A220, which competes directly with larger E-Jets variants in the 100-150 seat market. However, Embraer’s established customer relationships and comprehensive service network provide competitive advantages that extend beyond aircraft specifications. The company’s ability to offer fleet commonality across the E-Jets family enables airlines to achieve operational efficiencies through shared training, maintenance, and operational procedures.
The defense segment presents opportunities for continued growth, particularly as NATO members and allied nations seek to modernize their transport aircraft fleets. The KC-390 Millennium’s selection by multiple NATO countries, including recent orders from the Czech Republic, demonstrates the aircraft’s competitive position against alternatives from other manufacturers. The aircraft’s advanced capabilities, including its 26-ton maximum payload, 470-knot top speed, and ability to operate from unpaved runways, position it well for future international competitions.
Embraer’s competitive positioning benefits from its geographic diversification and global manufacturing footprint, which provides flexibility in serving different markets while managing currency and political risks. The company’s industrial operations span Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Portugal, enabling efficient production and delivery to customers worldwide. This geographic diversity also supports the company’s supply chain resilience and ability to adapt to changing market conditions in different regions.
Financial Outlook and Investment Considerations
Analyst projections for Embraer reflect generally positive sentiment about the company’s growth prospects and financial trajectory. Current analyst consensus includes a “Buy” rating with price targets ranging from $41 to $67, suggesting confidence in the company’s ability to deliver value to shareholders despite near-term market volatility. The average price target of $52.80 represents careful consideration of both growth opportunities and execution risks in the current aviation market environment.
Revenue forecasts for Embraer demonstrate expectations for continued growth, with projections ranging from $7.2 billion to $8.4 billion for 2025 and $8.2 billion to $9.0 billion for 2026. These forecasts reflect analyst confidence in Embraer’s ability to capitalize on aviation market recovery while maintaining its competitive position across business segments. The revenue growth projections align with the company’s delivery guidance and suggest successful market share expansion in key segments.
Earnings per share forecasts indicate substantial improvement potential, with 2025 EPS projections ranging from $0.39 to $0.41 and 2026 estimates between $0.69 and $0.74. This earnings growth trajectory reflects both revenue expansion and operational leverage as the company benefits from higher production volumes and improved manufacturing efficiency. The significant percentage increases in projected EPS demonstrate the operating leverage inherent in Embraer’s business model as production scales.
The company’s financial strength is supported by its record-breaking backlog of $22.7 billion, which provides substantial revenue visibility and cash flow predictability. This backlog represents approximately three to four years of production at current delivery rates, offering significant protection against potential market downturns while supporting continued investment in research and development. The backlog growth also demonstrates successful sales execution and customer confidence in Embraer’s aircraft portfolio across all business segments.
Embraer’s financial performance has been characterized by strong cash generation and improved profitability metrics, with adjusted EBITDA margins reaching 21.1% in the third quarter of 2024. This margin expansion reflects successful cost management and operational efficiency improvements while demonstrating the company’s ability to convert revenue growth into bottom-line performance. The strong margin performance provides financial flexibility for continued investment in product development and market expansion initiatives.
Conclusion
Embraer’s third quarter 2025 delivery performance of 62 aircraft represents more than just a quarterly operational achievement; it demonstrates the company’s resilience, strategic positioning, and execution capability in a recovering global aviation market. The 5% year-over-year increase in deliveries, combined with strong performance across commercial aviation, executive jets, and defense segments, positions Embraer well for continued growth as the aviation industry continues its post-pandemic recovery trajectory.
The company’s ability to maintain consistent quarterly delivery performance while achieving year-over-year growth reflects successful supply chain management and production efficiency in an industry where many manufacturers continue to face operational challenges. The strong performance of the executive aviation segment, led by the Phenom 300’s continued market leadership, demonstrates Embraer’s competitive advantages in high-margin market segments where brand reputation and customer relationships provide sustainable competitive moats.
Looking forward, Embraer’s delivery guidance for 2025 indicates management confidence in sustained growth momentum, with projected increases of 10% in commercial aviation and 15% in executive jets representing substantial performance improvements. These projections align with broader industry recovery trends and position Embraer to capitalize on increasing demand for efficient, technologically advanced aircraft that meet evolving customer requirements for operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
The regional jet market’s continued evolution toward larger, more efficient aircraft plays directly to Embraer’s strengths in the E-Jets family, while the company’s diversified business model provides stability through different market cycles. As airlines continue to optimize their networks for efficiency and flexibility, regional jets manufactured by Embraer will remain essential tools for connecting secondary markets and providing frequency in primary markets. The company’s strong financial position, supported by record backlogs and improving profitability metrics, provides the foundation for continued investment in innovation and market expansion that will drive future growth and shareholder value creation.
FAQ
Q: How many aircraft did Embraer deliver in Q3 2025?
A: Embraer delivered 62 aircraft in the third quarter of 2025, including 41 executive jets, 20 commercial aircraft, and one defense aircraft.
Q: Which aircraft models led Embraer’s deliveries in Q3 2025?
A: The E195-E2 was the most delivered commercial aircraft, while the Phenom 300 led executive jet deliveries.
Q: What are Embraer’s delivery projections for 2025?
A: Embraer projects deliveries of 77-85 commercial aircraft and 145-155 executive jets for the full year 2025.
Q: How does Embraer’s backlog support its future performance?
A: Embraer’s record backlog of $22.7 billion provides revenue visibility for several years and demonstrates strong customer confidence across all business segments.
Q: What trends are driving growth in the regional jet market?
A: Growth is driven by increased air traffic, the rise of low-cost carriers, fleet modernization, and the need for flexible, efficient aircraft to serve secondary markets.
Sources:
Embraer Newsroom,
Embraer Q3 2024 Results,
Simple Flying,
FlightGlobal,
MarketScreener,
Airbus Global Market Forecast,
Fortune Business Insights,
TipRanks,
Embraer Commercial Aviation,
AeroTime,
Embraer Company Profile,
Embraer KC-390 Millennium
Photo Credit: Embraer
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Luxair Orders Boeing 737-10 Jets at Farnborough 2026
Luxair converts 737-10 options to firm orders at Farnborough 2026, reaching 12 total 737 family aircraft on order.

Luxair has expanded its narrowbody fleet commitment by converting two options for the Boeing 737-10 into firm orders and securing two additional options during the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow.
The July 21, 2026, announcement by The Boeing Company brings the Luxembourg flag carrier’s total firm order book for the 737 family to 12 aircraft. The agreement supports Luxair’s long-term fleet modernization strategy, which focuses on increasing passenger capacity while reducing the airline’s environmental footprint.
Fleet expansion and aircraft specifications
Once all deliveries are completed, Luxair’s Boeing 737 fleet will consist of eight Boeing 737-8s and four Boeing 737-10s. The airline placed its initial order for two 737-10 aircraft in 2024 and is now moving to integrate the new-generation narrowbodies into a network that serves more than 100 destinations across Europe and beyond.
Luxair has selected a 213-seat configuration for its Boeing 737-10 aircraft. The cabin will feature the Boeing Sky Interior with redesigned seats offering a 76 cm pitch. The 737-10 is the largest model in the MAX family, capable of carrying up to 230 passengers in a maximum high-density configuration, with a range of 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km).
“This agreement represents another important milestone in the execution of our long-term fleet strategy,” said Gilles Feith, Chief Executive Officer of Luxair. “As we continue to grow, delivering an outstanding passenger experience remains at the heart of every fleet decision we make. The Boeing 737-10 provides the additional capacity, operational efficiency and flexibility we need to support future demand while maintaining the high standards of quality, comfort and service our customers expect from Luxair.”
Environmental and operational targets
The integration of the Boeing 737-10 is central to Luxair’s sustainability initiatives. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the new aircraft deliver a 20 percent reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to the older generation aircraft they will replace. According to Boeing, each new-generation 737 saves an average of 8 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The operational efficiency of the new fleet is designed to support Luxair’s growth trajectory following a strong performance in 2025, during which the airline transported 2.6 million passengers.
“Both the 737-8 and 737-10 are perfectly suited across Luxair’s network, increasing capacity on to its regional routes, comfortably serving more passengers on more routes with the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane,” said Ricardo Cavero, Vice President of Europe and Israel Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. “With the selection of the 737-8 and 737-10, Luxair is building a more profitable and sustainable operation.”
AirPro News analysis
Luxair’s decision to convert options into firm orders at the Farnborough International Airshow signals strong confidence in the Boeing 737-10 as the cornerstone of its high-density European routes. By standardizing its future narrowbody growth around the 737-8 and 737-10, we see Luxair prioritizing fleet commonality, which traditionally lowers maintenance and crew training costs. The retention of two new purchase rights also provides the carrier with a low-risk mechanism to secure future delivery slots in a constrained global supply chain environment.
Sources: The Boeing Company
Photo Credit: Boeing
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Riyadh Air Orders 31 A350-1000s and 67 Boeing 787s
Riyadh Air firms up A350-1000 and 787 Dreamliner orders at Farnborough 2026, targeting 100 global destinations by 2030.

Saudi Arabian startup carrier Riyadh Air (RX) has expanded its future widebody fleet by firming up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 20, 2026. The agreement exercises purchase rights from a 2025 commitment for up to 50 airframes, bringing the airline’s total firm backlog for the European manufacturer’s largest twin-engine jet to 31 aircraft.
In a press release issued during the airshow, Airbus confirmed the transaction and noted that Riyadh Air will become the first operator of the A350-1000 in Saudi Arabia. The acquisition aligns with the carrier’s mandate to support the national Vision 2030 strategy, which targets serving more than 100 global destinations by the end of the decade.
Expanding the Airbus widebody footprint
The Airbus A350-1000 offers a maximum non-stop range of 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers), providing the operational capability required for Riyadh Air’s planned ultra-long-haul services. Airbus states the aircraft delivers a 25 percent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation widebody aircraft.
Riyadh Air Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida stated that the finalized order reflects continued confidence in the airline’s growth trajectory and the broader Saudi aviation sector.
“Increasing our A350-1000 commitment to 31 aircraft strengthens the foundation of our future network and supports our ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030 while delivering a premium guest experience,” Boukadida said.
Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial-Aircraft Benoît de Saint-Exupéry added that the commitment highlights the aircraft’s efficiency and range. He noted the A350-1000 will play a central role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading international aviation hub. As of the end of June 2026, Airbus had recorded 1,595 firm Orders for the A350 family from 68 customers worldwide.
Concurrent Boeing 787 Dreamliner expansion
The Airbus finalization occurred alongside a separate widebody order placed with The Boeing Company. According to reporting by Al Arabiya, Riyadh Air also confirmed an order for 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at the Farnborough event on July 20.
This separate agreement introduces the Boeing 787-10 variant to the carrier’s fleet. Following the announcement, Riyadh Air’s total firm commitment for the Dreamliner family stands at 67 aircraft.
Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas told Al Arabiya that the introduction of the 787-10 and the expanded Dreamliner backlog marks another significant milestone in the airline’s journey toward its 2030 network goals. The carrier recently opened ticket sales for its initial overseas routes as it prepares for the launch of commercial operations.
AirPro News analysis
We view Riyadh Air’s dual widebody orders at Farnborough as a clear signal of the carrier’s aggressive timeline and robust capital backing. By splitting its high-capacity, long-haul requirements between the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787-10, the airline mitigates delivery risk in an era of constrained aerospace supply chains. Securing 31 firm A350-1000s and 67 Boeing 787s provides the necessary metal to rapidly scale a global network from scratch. However, the operational complexity of inducting two distinct widebody types simultaneously will require substantial training, tooling, and maintenance infrastructure investments prior to the Launch of commercial flights.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
SMBC Aviation Capital Orders 200 Aircraft at Farnborough 2026
SMBC Aviation Capital placed firm orders for 100 A320neo family and 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets at Farnborough Airshow 2026.

Aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation Capital secured a massive dual-manufacturer commitment at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 20, 2026, placing firm orders for 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft and 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets.
The 200-aircraft acquisition guarantees the lessor a steady stream of narrowbody deliveries into the mid-2030s. This strategic move comes as the broader aviation industry continues to grapple with persistent supply-chain bottlenecks that have constrained production rates at both major airframers.
Airbus narrowbody commitments
In a press release issued during the airshow, Airbus confirmed the firm order consists of 65 Airbus A321neo and 35 Airbus A320neo aircraft. The agreement pushes the total number of direct Airbus commitments from SMBC Aviation Capital and its parent company, Sumitomo Corporation, past 900 aircraft.
Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft Benoît de Saint-Exupéry highlighted the long-standing relationship between the manufacturer and the lessor.
“We are honoured to stand with SMBC Aviation Capital as they place this order for additional A320neo family aircraft, the world’s most leased and most traded aircraft making it the benchmark for airlines, lessors and investors alike,” de Saint-Exupéry stated.
Boeing 737 MAX and CFM engine agreements
Concurrently, SMBC Aviation Capital announced a matching commitment with Boeing for 100 narrowbody aircraft. The lessor’s official statement detailed a split of 60 Boeing 737 MAX 10 and 40 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.
To power the newly ordered Airbus fleet, SMBC Aviation Capital also secured an agreement for up to 90 CFM International LEAP-1A engines.
SMBC Aviation Capital Chief Executive Officer Peter Barrett emphasized the necessity of securing long-term availability for the company’s airline clients.
“This significant new order will give our airline customers access to a continuous delivery pipeline of the latest technology A320neo family aircraft into the mid-2030s,” Barrett said.
He added that the order reflects the lessor’s confidence in the sustained demand for the A320neo family. Deliveries for the newly ordered Airbus aircraft are expected to commence in the first half of the 2030s.
AirPro News analysis
We view SMBC Aviation Capital’s balanced 200-aircraft acquisition as a direct response to the current manufacturing environment. By splitting the order evenly between the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX, the lessor is effectively hedging its delivery risks. Industry reporting from the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow indicates that total dealmaking may fall short of the ambitious 800-aircraft expectations held by some analysts, largely due to ongoing production bottlenecks at both Airbus and Boeing.
In an environment where near-term delivery slots are virtually nonexistent, securing a pipeline that stretches into the mid-2030s is critical for major lessors. Airline customers are increasingly reliant on lessors to provide capacity growth and fleet renewal options when direct manufacturer orders face multi-year backlogs. The inclusion of 60 Boeing 737 MAX 10s and 65 Airbus A321neos also underscores a continued market shift toward the largest variants of both narrowbody families, maximizing seat capacity in slot-constrained airports.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
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