Riyadh Air is in negotiations with Boeing Co. and Airbus SE for an order of as many as 50 additional widebody aircraft as the Saudi Arabian airline seeks to expand its fleet to help turn the country into an aviation and tourism hub. The startup airline is considering both the Airbus 350-1000 and Boeing’s 777X models, according to people familiar with the talks. The carrier is keen to secure delivery slots that are becoming harder to get, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations.  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 in talks with potential customers on their fleet requirements, while Airbus declined to comment on a potential order and said discussions with customers remain confidential. The people cautioned that the number of aircraft may fluctuate, with as many as half the order classified as non-firm options, depending on what the planemakers can offer.  The airline has already placed orders for 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft and 39 Boeing 787s. Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas said in January that the carrier […]