Riyadh Air has shown off the first Boeing 787-9 from its own production line to wear the airline's signature deep indigo livery. On 4 October 2026 the Saudi carrier posted a series of photos of the newly painted Dreamliner, registered HZ-RXAK, on social media and tagged Boeing in the post, AeroTime reported.
In the post, as translated from Arabic by X, Riyadh Air wrote: "First look at our Nile Blue Boeing 787 Dreamliner after the completion of its painting."
Why this aircraft stands out
The new jet is notable because it breaks the pattern of Riyadh Air's fleet so far. According to ch-aviation data cited by AeroTime, Riyadh Air has received eight Boeing 787-9s to date, and all eight wear the airline's alternative scheme: a mainly white fuselage with indigo and lavender accents. HZ-RXAK is the first production aircraft to carry the dark indigo design that became the face of the brand when it was launched.
Riyadh Air unveiled the indigo and lavender livery at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in June 2023. At the time, the airline said its brand identity was "inspired by the warmth and hospitality of the Kingdom and the vibrant lavender colors that carpet the desert in the spring," and described the livery as "one of a series which will continue to push boundaries in aviation." It added that the design was meant to incorporate visual references to the Kingdom and the city, including the sweeping curves of Arabic script and the global campaign tagline "The Future Takes Flight."
Two liveries by PriestmanGoode
London design consultancy PriestmanGoode was asked to create two liveries that would position Riyadh Air at the forefront of a new generation of airlines. The colour palette was refined to five primary colours, including lavender, Sunset Peach and Indigo.
"We pushed the design boundaries for the two livery designs to match Riyadh Air's ambitions," PriestmanGoode said. "The first livery design for their new fleet was a statement indigo livery. It is inspired by the ever-changing colours that paint the sky, from dusk till dawn." The second design, the consultancy said, features a custom iridescent paint colour to help the brand stand out.
A familiar look, finally in the fleet
Aviation enthusiasts have seen the indigo scheme on a 787 before. Between June 2023 and October 2024, a promotional Boeing 787 painted in the indigo livery appeared at major aviation events, including the 54th Paris Air Show. That aircraft, registered N8572C, never entered Riyadh Air service. It later joined TAAG Angola Airlines in 2025 and now flies as D2-TEQ.
HZ-RXAK therefore marks the first time the dark livery will be seen on an aircraft that actually belongs to Riyadh Air's operating fleet. The post did not say when the jet will be delivered or which routes it will fly first, and Aviation Shop News will not speculate on a delivery date until one is confirmed by the airline or Boeing.
What comes next
Riyadh Air, the new Saudi national carrier backed by the Public Investment Fund, has been building up its Boeing 787-9 operation from its Riyadh base and already uses the type on international routes, including flights to London Heathrow. Adding a second, more striking livery to the fleet gives the airline a flagship aircraft for marketing and for high-profile routes, much as other carriers use special schemes to make a statement at major airports.
For spotters, the practical takeaway is simple: once HZ-RXAK is delivered, it will be the aircraft to look for. A dark indigo 787 with lavender tones on the tail is likely to be one of the most recognisable widebodies at any airport it visits, and the first production example of the colours Riyadh Air chose to introduce itself to the world in 2023.
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