Riyadh Air preps A321 business class

The lavender-hued Boeing 787s of Riyadh Air are enjoying plenty of attention as the new Saudi Arabian flag carrier begins building its network and defining its place in the skies.

But from the end of this year, the long-range Dreamliners will be joined by the nimble Airbus A321, filling in short- to medium-range routes.

Riyadh Air has inked an order for 60 jets from the single-aisle A321neo family, which CEO Tony Douglas describes as complementing the 787s in an “optimal fleet mix to fulfil its network ambitions of 100 destinations by 2030.”

Also read: Riyadh Air plans flights to Sydney, Melbourne

Riyadh Air is adopting a unique dual-livery approach to its 787 and A321 fleet.

The first A321neo is due for delivery before this year is out, and will sport a regional business class cabin of two-abreast premium recliners from an unnamed supplier, ahead of a standard 3-3 economy cabin.

One in every ten A321s will be dressed in Riyadh’s tip-to-tail dark indigo livery, making a striking contrast against the more common purple-and-white scheme.

Riyadh Air's 787 premium economy seats could conceivably double as short-haul A321neo business class.

The A321neo fleet will connect Riyadh to key regional centres such as Cairo, Dubai and Istanbul.

It may also offer an off-peak service to cities which during the high season would be served by the larger Boeing 787s, and additionally allow Riyadh Air to assess new routes which could later be upgraded to the Dreamliner.

Riyadh Air's 787 Recaro economy seat is expected to appear on the A321s.

However, Executive Traveller understands half of the 60-strong A321 order will be for the longer-range A321LR.

These will sport international-grade business class suites with lie-flat beds and sliding privacy doors, in keeping with the Boeing 787s.

Riyadh Air's 787 business class suite.

There’s a strong possibility the first row of the cabin will receive an upgraded business plus treatment and be marketed as a single-aisle version of the 787 Business Elite suite.

Riyadh Air's 787 Business Elite suite.

This has become a popular option for many airlines flying the A321LR and XLR, to the point where Etihad positions its A321LR Row 1 suites as first class.

Etihad's spacious A321LR first class.

Riyadh Air’s A321LRs will spread their wings across Europe, the UK and parts of Asia, again complementing the Boeing 787 network.

Also read: The six Asian cities on Riyadh Air’s shortlist