Saudia Group Signs Historic $19 Billion Deal with Airbus for 105 A320neo Family Planes
In a groundbreaking move, Saudia Group has inked a deal for an additional 105 A320neo family planes with Airbus, making it the largest aircraft deal in the Kingdom’s history.
Details of the Deal
Announced at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh by Ibrahim Al-Omar, the director general of the group, the $19 billion deal includes A320neo and A321neo models. These planes will be split between Saudia and flyadeal, the group’s low-cost carrier.
Saudia will be receiving 54 A321neo aircraft, while flyadeal will get 12 A320neo and 39 A321neo planes. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026.
Significance of the Agreement
The agreement was unveiled in the presence of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh bin Nasser AI-Jasser, Director General of Saudia Group Ibrahim Al-Omar, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, executive vice president sales of Airbus.
Al-Omar emphasized the importance of the deal in meeting the growing demand and expanding operations to accommodate the influx of visitors, tourists, entrepreneurs, and pilgrims in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Impacts and Future Plans
Over the next five years, Saudia Group plans to add 88 new aircraft to its fleet, promising a new experience in business and hospitality classes with enhanced privacy and innovative products.
De Saint-Exupéry highlighted the vital role the new aircraft will play in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, with superior efficiency, comfort, and environmental benefits.
Enhancements in Store
Starting in the fourth quarter of 2024, Saudi Airlines will introduce fast and high-quality internet services on its flights, along with high-resolution Bluetooth-enabled screens in all aircraft.
These upgrades aim to enhance operational performance, increase capacity, and launch new destinations, aligning with the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
Aligning with Vision 2030
The new aircraft support Saudia Group’s objectives of connecting the world to the Kingdom, in line with key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030 such as transportation and logistics, tourism, and Hajj and Umrah objectives.
Furthermore, the fuel-efficient A320 family aircraft will contribute to reducing fuel burn and carbon emissions, aligning with sustainability goals.
Expansion of Riyadh Air
In addition to Saudia’s fleet expansion, Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s second flag carrier backed by the Public Investment Fund, is set to establish routes to 100 countries by 2030 after ordering 39 Boeing 787-9 jets.