Riyadh: Riyadh Air yesterday announced at the eighth Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference an agreement to purchase 60 Airbus A321neo single-aisle airplanes in the latest step towards its maiden flight in 2025. The deal was confirmed with a signing in Riyadh today between Riyadh Air chief executive Tony Douglas and Airbus commercial aircraft chief executive Christian Scherer. According to Saudi Press Agency, the Airbus A321neo airliner is among the most sustainable and efficient in the industry, and combined with the original wide-body jetliner order announced in 2023, will ensure the optimal mix of airplanes to match Riyadh Air's network growth. On a scale unprecedented for an airline startup, Riyadh Air has ordered a total of 132 airliners to power its growth plans. 'We are pleased to embark on another key milestone in Riyadh Air's journey with the carrier's second major fleet order, this time in partnership with Airbus,' said Public Investment Fund (PIF) Governor and Riyadh Air chairman Yasir Al- Rumayyan. 'This deal underscores the airline's ambitious intentions in advance of next year's launch as it builds a comprehensive international network and establishes Riyadh as a major strategic global aviation hub.' According to Riyadh Air's Douglas, 'This order will not only enable us to support economic growth in the aviation industry, it will also ensure Riyadh Air operates one of the most sustainable fleets in the industry and be instrumental in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its net-zero emissions goals. This deal strongly reinforces the positive economic impact of Saudi Arabia's newest airline on both a global and local scale and helps facilitate the fast-growing local aviation ecosystem.' Airbus' Scherer said, 'We are proud to welcome Riyadh Air as a new Airbus customer and to be a part of its exciting journey. The latest generation A321neo aircraft will bring exceptional efficiency to the airline's operations and comfort to its passengers. We look forward to working together to support the incredibl e growth of Saudi aviation.' Riyadh Air aims to be a leading airline and will equip its fleet with the latest and most advanced digital features, providing an innovative guest experience that is the best in class in terms of airplane cabin interior design, in addition to the latest generation of entertainment and connectivity systems on board. The establishment of Riyadh Air aligns with PIF's strategy to unlock promising sectors locally to support economic diversification. The airline will provide tourists from around the world the opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia's cultural and natural attractions and further establish Riyadh as a preeminent business hub to the world. Riyadh Air will also serve as a catalyst for the Saudi National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy by increasing air transport options, raising cargo capacity, and growing international passenger traffic.