dailynewsnblog
Today, 
Riyadh Air shared the first images of its incoming indigo-colored Boeing 787-9. The aircraft has just emerged in the livery from Boeing’s paint facility in Charleston, South Carolina, US. The design follows imagery inspired by spring desert blooms and Arabic calligraphy. It aims to complement Riyadh Air’s standard white livery and includes the global campaign tagline “The Future Takes Flight”.
Riyadh Air is a relatively new carrier that is undergoing a period of rapid growth. It claims to have now reached 15 destinations. The airline plans to be constructed of four aircraft types: 787-9s and 787-10s, and Airbus A321neos and A350s.
The Livery Marks An Important Milestone
The airline has chosen this jet for the special livery as it will be the tenth aircraft to enter into the fleet, with delivery anticipated soon. The indigo jet is joined by other Dreamliners. Riyadh Air anticipates that every tenth aircraft will have the indigo livery. The arrival of each of these aircraft will serve as an immediate symbol of the airline’s growth.
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 colors 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 . . . It reflects a modern, confident Saudi identity.”
The PriestmanGoode Design Consultancy Created The Livery
Riyadh Air has worked with PriestmanGoode, a design company based in London, to create both the regular and the alternative liveries. The brief was to design liveries that would place the carrier at “the forefront of the next generation of airlines” based on a palette of five colors. These colors included lavender, Sunset Peach, and indigo. PriestmanGoode says that the indigo livery is inspired by the changing colors of the sky from dusk until dawn.
The special indigo livery has been unveiled before the most recent release. Riyadh Air made use of a promotional 787 bearing the design from June 2023 to October 2024 for aviation events. The most notable example was the 54th Paris Airshow. This jet, then-registered N8572C, now flies with TAAG Angola Airlines.
The Jet Adds To A Substantial 787-9 Fleet
Aero Time reports that Riyadh Air has received eight 787-9s so far. These planes are all painted in a primarily white livery, with indigo and lavender accents, as is the standard livery for Riyadh Air. The first pair of 787-9s arrived in June 2026. These aircraft are registered HZ-RXAA and HZ-RXAB. Previously, the airline was operating with a 787-9 that had been leased from Oman Air. The leased jet flew the “Pathway to Perfect” program, which were services restricted to employees, family members, invited guests, and other stakeholders.
At the time that this initial delivery was completed, Boeing had already completed construction, testing, and customer acceptance on three more 787-9s for Riyadh Air. HZ-RXAC, HZ-RXAD, and HZ-RXAE were delivered soon after, setting the ground for the rapid expansion which remains ongoing.
The most recent action Riyadh Air has taken for further expansion was at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. The airline decided to exercise the 28 options for 787-9s which have been available since the initial 2023 order. 20 of these orders were converted from the 787-09 to the 787-10. The move has expanded the airlines firm Dreamliner commitment to 67 planes. Riyadh Air also made use of the industry event to expand its commitment to Airbus. It firmed up an additional six Airbus A350-1000 jets. The move brought Riyadh Air’s commitment for the A350-1000 to 31 planes. The deal has left 19 options for the type still in play.
