Saudia Orders 105 A320neo Aircraft To Meet Saudi Arabia's Aviation Aspirations
In a significant development in the aviation industry, Saudia Group, encompassing Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and flyadeal, group's cost-effective airline, has finalized a firm order for 105 additional aircraft from the A320neo Family. This purchase involves 12 A320neo and 93 A321neo aircraft, elevating Saudia Group's total Airbus aircraft order backlog to an impressive 144 A320neo family aircraft.
The announcement was made at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, attended by notable figures including Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus.
Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar highlighted the strategic nature of this acquisition, stating, "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." He further emphasized the role of this significant deal in creating jobs, enhancing local content, and contributing to the national economy, in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
From Airbus's perspective, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry remarked on the critical role the A320neo family aircraft will play in contributing to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan. He noted the benefits of improved efficiency, superior economics, and environmental sustainability that these aircraft will bring to Saudia Group's strategic efforts to advance the Kingdom's aviation capabilities.
The order is set against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia's National Tourism Strategy, aiming to attract more than 150 million tourists by 2030. This ambitious goal positions the kingdom to become one of the top global tourism destinations, with the latest order from Airbus poised to significantly strengthen this ambition.
The A320 Family boasts over 18,000 orders from more than 300 customers globally. The A321neo, in particular, stands out as the largest member of the A320neo Family, distinguished by its range, performance, and a 50% noise reduction. Moreover, it promises at least 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to its predecessors, alongside offering the widest single-aisle cabin for maximum passenger comfort. Airbus' commitment to sustainability is evident as the entire A320 Family can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a goal to enable 100% SAF operation by 2030.
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