Safran Landing Systems secured a long-term supply agreement with Riyadh Air to equip the Saudi carrier’s fleet of more than 70 Boeing 787-9 aircraft with wheels and advanced electric carbon brakes. The announcement came during the Dubai Airshow on November 20, 2025, marking a significant partnership between the French aerospace supplier and Saudi Arabia’s newest national airline.
Highlights
- Safran Landing Systems will supply wheels and electric carbon brakes for Riyadh Air’s fleet of over 70 Boeing 787-9 aircraft under a long-term agreement
- Weight advantage of Safran’s braking systems optimizes aircraft performance at high-altitude King Khaled International Airport operations
- Agreement includes provision of Boeing 787 Electrical Brake Tester, repair capability support, and engineer training
- Safran currently equips 800 Boeing 787 Dreamliners with its landing and braking systems worldwide
Agreement Details
The partnership positions Safran Landing Systems as the exclusive supplier for Riyadh Air’s 787 fleet braking systems. Beyond hardware delivery, Safran will provide its latest Boeing 787 Electrical Brake Tester and support the airline’s repair capability development.
The agreement includes comprehensive training programs for Riyadh Air’s repair engineers, supporting the carrier’s operational readiness and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Ecosystem growth objectives.
Performance Advantages at High Altitude
Weight reduction drove Riyadh Air’s selection of Safran’s braking technology. The lighter brake systems deliver critical performance benefits for operations at King Khaled International Airport’s high-altitude environment.
High-altitude operations require brakes to absorb increased kinetic energy during landings. Less dense air at elevation increases landing speeds, placing greater demands on braking systems. Safran’s lightweight carbon brake design addresses these physics while reducing fuel consumption and operating costs.
Electric Brake Technology Features
Safran’s electric carbon brake system for the Boeing 787 represents the world’s first electric aircraft brake technology. The plug-and-play architecture simplifies maintenance procedures compared to conventional hydraulic systems.
Key technical capabilities include:
- Real-time monitoring: Carbon disk wear assessment during operations
- Increased availability: Reduced maintenance downtime through simplified servicing
- Modular design: Quick component replacement without extensive system reconfiguration
Market Position and Regional Expansion
The Riyadh Air agreement strengthens Safran Landing Systems’ presence in the Middle East aviation market. Jean-Michel Hillion, Wheels & Brakes Division EVP at Safran Landing Systems, emphasized the partnership’s strategic importance for regional expansion and reinforcing the company’s position as the preferred Boeing 787 brake supplier.
Safran Landing Systems currently holds partnerships with more than 25 airframers across civil, regional, business, and military transport sectors. The company supports over 35,000 aircraft globally, with its systems executing more than 100 landings daily.
About the Companies
Safran operates as an international aerospace and defense technology group with 100,000 employees and recorded sales of €27.3 billion in 2024. The company maintains world or European leadership positions in aviation propulsion, equipment, interiors, defense, and space markets.
Safran Landing Systems functions as the global leader in aircraft landing and braking systems, managing the complete product lifecycle from design and manufacturing through maintenance and repair operations.
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