Riyadh Air, the Saudi Arabian carrier seeking to compete with Emirates and Qatar Airways, will receive far fewer aircraft from Boeing Co. this year than originally planned, in a setback to the startup airline’s ambitious launch preparations.

A new Saudi Arabian airline has pushed back its highly-anticipated launch after receiving fewer aircraft than expected from stricken plane maker Boeing.

Riyadh Air will receive its first Boeing 787-9 aircraft from the US plane maker later than scheduled this year, delaying the start-up airline's debut. The carrier will get its first wide-body jet in the third quarter of this year,