SaudiGulf signs Airbus A320neo agreement

SaudiGulf has signed an agreement to purchase 10 Airbus A320neo aircraft, which at list prices, is valued at around $1.1 billion.

Additionally, the airline has 10 options and is currently holding discussions with lessors to acquire an additional 20 aircraft, with two thirds expected to be A321neos.

The agreement was attended by various media outlets at the Bahrain International Airshow, and was captured by Airbus, as seen in the image below.

An engine selection was intended to be made in 10 days, however a deal has been made with CFM International, with CFM LEAP-1A engines to power the A320neo family aircraft. A service contract with CFM was also included in the deal. Pratt and Whitney reportedly put up a strong fight and it was a tough decision according to Samer Majali.

Despite the airline’s existing fleet of A320s being powered by IAE V2500 engines, which are led by Pratt and Whitney, Majali states the choice between CFM and Pratt and Whitney was entirely new as there is zero commonality between the platforms.

Deliveries of the new aircraft are expected to commence in 2022.