Riyadh Air unveils first indigo Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner as testing phase begins

Riyadh Air has shared the first images of its long-awaited indigo-coloured Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner after the aircraft emerged from Boeing’s paint facility in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. 

The Saudi carrier says the livery was inspired by “spring desert blooms and Arabic calligraphy”. It also confirmed the highly-anticipated indigo livery will be applied to around every tenth aircraft in the Riyadh Air fleet.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said: “Seeing our first Indigo aircraft emerge from the paint shop is a proud moment for Riyadh Air. Inspired by the colours of spring desert blooms and the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, the indigo livery positions our brand with a striking presence that will stand out at airports across the world.”

نظرة أولى على طائرتنا من طراز بوينج 787 دريملاينر باللون النيلي بعد اكتمال طلائها 🪻 https://t.co/u5abdnzwHT

— Riyadh Air | طيران الرياض (@RiyadhAir) October 4, 2026

A dual-livery strategy for Riyadh Air

The bold indigo design forms part of Riyadh Air’s dual-livery strategy. The airline first unveiled the colour scheme in 2023. It introduced a second pearlescent white design later that year.

When will the Riyadh Air indigo Boeing 787 fly?

The carrier hasn’t confirmed a delivery date for the indigo-liveried Dreamliner. However, the airline says the aircraft is now ready to enter the testing phase ahead of commercial service.

CEO Tony Douglas added: “Alongside our pearlescent livery, it reflects a modern, confident Saudi identity, and marks another significant milestone as we have grown to 10 aircraft and 15 destinations in less than four months.” 

We reported earlier this year that Riyadh Air announced it had exercised options previously held for 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The carrier also firmed up orders for an additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft from previously held options.

The Boeing order includes the conversion of 20 options for the 787-9 to the larger 787-10 variant.

In addition to its growing commitment to the Boeing 787 programme, Riyadh Air also announced at this year’s Farnborough International Air Show that it had firmed up an order for six  additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its total firm commitment for the type to 31 aircraft.

According to Airbus, the agreement forms part of the airline’s original commitment for up to 50 A350-1000s announced at the Paris Air Show in 2025.

All aircraft are to be powered by Rolls-Royce XWB-97 engines.

Riyadh Air fleet expansion plans

Riyadh Air is building one of the world’s largest airline start-ups, with orders for Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A350-1000s and Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Riyadh Air will become the first airline in Saudi Arabia to operate the A350-1000 and will use the aircraft alongside its Boeing 787 fleet and 60 Airbus A321neos to support its international growth ambitions and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.

These aims include bringing millions of additional visitors to the Kingdom for both tourism and business every year.