Saudia Group orders 20 Airbus A330neo jets to fuel fleet expansion

24/04/2025 04:12 AST

Saudia Group has signed a new agreement with Airbus to acquire 20 wide-body A330neo aircraft, including 10 confirmed orders for its low-cost carrier flyadeal, as part of its fleet expansion strategy.

The deal, finalized at Airbus's facility in Toulouse, France, reinforces the group's ambitions to enhance operational efficiency and expand destination coverage, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

With deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2029, the acquisition marks a continuation of Saudia Group's broader modernization plan, which includes a 2023 order for 105 Airbus aircraft.

A330neo's long-range capability and fuel efficiency are expected to play a central role in supporting the Kingdom's goals of connecting to 250 destinations and transporting 330 million passengers annually.

The agreement aligns with the Kingdom's broader trend of making multiple Airbus aircraft purchases.

In October, Riyadh Air signed a deal to purchase 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft. In July, the Royal Saudi Air Force signed a contract with Airbus for four additional A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft.

The deal was signed by Saleh Eid, vice president Fleet Management and Agreements at Saudia Airlines, and Benoit de Saint-Exupery, executive vice president of Commercial Aircraft Sales at Airbus, in the presence of Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group and Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus.

Al-Omar emphasized the significance of the deal as a continuation of the group's ambitious strategy to expand and modernize its fleet.

He noted that this agreement follows a previous order of 105 Airbus aircraft in 2023 and supports national strategies under Vision 2030 aimed at reaching 250 destinations, transporting 330 million passengers, and attracting 150 million tourists annually.

Benoit de Saint-Exupery welcomed the order as a strategic advancement for both parties.

"Saudia Group's order for A330neo aircraft for flyadeal is a crucial step toward enabling the Kingdom's long-haul expansion and attracting a broader range of passengers," he said.

"The aircraft's proven efficiency, versatility, and passenger experience make it the right fit for Saudia Group's strategic growth," he added.

Saudia Group currently operates a fleet of 194 aircraft across its commercial, low-cost, cargo, and logistics divisions.

With an additional 191 aircraft expected to be delivered in the coming years, the group is advancing its position as a key enabler of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector and broader national development initiatives.

Arab News