Saudia Group, the parent company of Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, and its low-cost subsidiary, flyadeal, has finalized an order for an additional 105 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. The order consists of 12 A320neo and 93 A321neo aircraft, increasing Saudia Group’s Airbus order backlog to 144 A320neo family aircraft. The agreement was unveiled at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, attended by key figures such as H.E. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, and Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Executive Vice President Sales of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft division.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “Saudia has ambitious operational objectives to meet growing demand. We are increasing flights and seat capacity across our existing 100+ destinations on four continents, with plans for further expansion. The progress of Saudi Vision 2030 is attracting more visits, tourists, entrepreneurs, and pilgrims each year. This motivated our decision to secure this significant deal, which will create jobs, increase local content, and contribute to the national economy.”
“The new additions of the A320neo family aircraft will play a vital role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan,” said Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “It will enable Saudia Group’s strategy to advance the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities while enabling both airlines to benefit from the A320neo Family’s exceptional efficiency, superior economics, highest level of passenger comfort as well as lower fuel-burn and emissions.”
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Saudi National Tourism Strategy aims to attract over 150 million tourists by 2030, ushering in unprecedented opportunities for global aviation. The recent Airbus order is poised to bolster the Kingdom’s vision of emerging as a premier global tourism destination.
The A320 Family stands as the world’s most sought-after single-aisle aircraft, with a staggering 18,000 orders from over 300 customers worldwide. Among them, the A321neo, the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo Family, boasts remarkable range and performance capabilities. Equipped with next-generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo achieves a 50% reduction in noise and delivers at least 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to its predecessors. Furthermore, it offers enhanced passenger comfort within the industry’s widest single-aisle cabin.
Emphasizing sustainability, Airbus ensures that its entire A320 Family can operate using up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The company aims for all its aircraft to be capable of running on up to 100% SAF by 2030, aligning with global environmental goals.
