Saudia Group has announced the largest aircraft deal in Saudi aviation history with Airbus, unveiled on the opening day of the Future Aviation Forum 2024 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.
This historic agreement, signed under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, includes 105 confirmed aircraft, marking a significant milestone for both the Saudi aviation industry and the wider MENA region. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, along with dignitaries, ambassadors, key global aviation figures, and numerous media representatives and industry experts specialising in travel, aviation, and transportation.
The deal, signed by H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft Business, includes A320neo and A321neo models. These aircraft will be allocated between Saudia and flyadeal, the group’s low-cost carrier. Saudia will acquire 54 A321neo aircraft, while flyadeal will receive 12 A320neo and 39 A321neo aircraft.
The new aircraft directly support Saudia Group’s objectives to connect the world with the Kingdom, aligning with key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. These include the transportation and logistics goal to increase passenger capacity to 330 million and expand destinations to 250 by 2030, and the tourism goal to attract 150 million visits by 2030. Additionally, the Hajj and Umrah goal aims to increase Umrah pilgrim capacity to 30 million by 2030.
These modern aircraft feature spacious cabins with stylish interior designs and are equipped with the latest amenities and technology, ensuring a premium travel experience that prioritises guest comfort and privacy. Furthermore, the A320 family aircraft are fuel-efficient, emitting 20% less fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft.
To ensure the new aircraft remain in top condition, Saudia Technic, the group’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) division, will provide comprehensive maintenance services. This will be even more crucial with the upcoming completion of the MRO Village at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, significantly increasing the company’s service capacity.
H.E. Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, said: “The aviation sector is grateful for the tremendous support provided by the country’s leadership. This agreement is one of the enablers of achieving the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. It will contribute to enhancing Saudia’s operational performance, increasing flights and seat capacity, and launching new destinations. Furthermore, it aims to connect the world to the Kingdom in line with the significant transformation witnessed by the aviation sector under Saudi Vision 2030, while also reaffirming our commitment to providing the best services that enhance the travel experience.”
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, commented: “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 visitors, 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.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, added: “The new additions of the A320neo family aircraft will play a vital role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan. 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.”
The ceremony marked a new chapter for Saudia, unveiling their largest investment to date in guest experience. This includes a pioneering AI-powered “Travel Companion” to support guests from trip planning to after-sales support. Business class cabins will be transformed into luxurious, privacy-focused suites that convert into flat beds, progressively rolling out across both existing and new fleets. Guests can also stay connected with high-speed in-flight connectivity and enjoy unparalleled entertainment with the highest-definition screens soon to be on board.
