Riyadh, Feb. 5 -- Riyadh Air is in talks with Boeing and Airbus to acquire up to 50 additional widebody aircraft as part of its expansion strategy to support Saudi Arabia's ambitions as a global aviation and tourism hub.

The airline is evaluating the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777X models, according to sources familiar with the discussions. With delivery slots becoming increasingly scarce, Riyadh Air is eager to secure its position in the production queue, the sources said, requesting anonymity due to the confidential nature of the negotiations.

Riyadh Air said in response to Bloomberg inquiries that it recently put out a so-called request for product for more widebody aircraft and that the campaign is ongoing. Boeing said it's always ...