Saudia Group Enhances Fleet With Airbus Deal For Up To 20 A330neo Wide-Body Aircraft

Saudia Group has entered into a new agreement with Airbus to expand its fleet by acquiring up to 20 A330neo wide-body aircraft. This includes firm orders for 10 planes specifically for flyadeal, the group's budget airline. The signing event took place at Airbus's Toulouse factory in France, with key figures from both companies present.

The deal was formalised by Saudia Group's Vice President of Fleet Management, Saleh Eid, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales of Commercial Aircraft. Saudia Group Director General Ibrahim Al-Omar and Airbus CEO Christian Scherer were also in attendance.

Ibrahim Al-Omar highlighted the significance of this agreement: "Today’s deal marks a pivotal milestone in our ambitious strategy to modernize and expand our fleet. It builds on last year’s historic deal with Airbus for 105 aircraft. This step aligns with our national strategies under Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to connect 250 destinations and facilitate the travel of over 330 million travelers and 150 million tourists by 2030."

Al-Omar further explained that this acquisition supports Saudia Group's growth plans. It will enhance fleet modernisation, improve aircraft maintenance, and boost operational efficiency. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to elevate the group's service offerings.

As per the announcement, Saudia Group currently operates a fleet comprising 194 aircraft. These serve various purposes including commercial aviation, cargo operations, and logistics services. The group is poised for substantial growth with plans to receive 191 new planes in the coming years.

This expansion aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's objectives to significantly increase connectivity and tourism. By enhancing its fleet capabilities, Saudia Group aims to play a crucial role in achieving these national goals.

The recent agreement underscores Saudia Group's commitment to advancing its operational capabilities while supporting broader economic objectives within Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from SPA