Riyadh Air, the new Saudi Arabian airline launched by Public Investment Fund, is close to an order for as many as 100 Boeing 737 Max jets, said a Bloomberg report.

 

The new carrier aims to add short-haul aircraft to its line-up, according to people familiar with the matter, the report said.

 

The carrier is considering placing a firm orders for 50 jets along with a similar number of options at the  Dubai Air Show that begins on Monday, said the people, asking not to be named as the discussions are confidential. 

 

Final discussions are ongoing, and the number could change slightly, the people said.

 

In May, Bloomberg reported that US aerospace powerhouse Boeing was courting the Saudi airline for a 150-strong 737 MAX order, taking advantage of Airbus' growing A321neo backlog limiting deliveries before 2029. If selected, the roughly $8 billion order may boost Boeing's balance sheet following setbacks to its 737 MAX and 787 programs.

 

In March, Riyadh Air announced an order of up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes in a multi-billion dollar deal. This unprecedented order included 39 confirmed aircraft with an option to acquire 33 additional wide-body 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes.