Saudi Arabian Airlines to order Airbus or Boeing widebody aircraft

Saudi Arabian Airlines, commonly known as Saudia, is reportedly looking to place an order for Airbus or Boeing widebody aircraft in the next six months to expand their network and replace older aircraft.

According to ATWOnline, the airline is assessing the Airbus A350 and additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners to fulfill their future fleet requirements. Despite the large amounts of rumors that were circulating, the airline has stated they have no intention to place an order for the 777X.

Instead, they’re looking at the 787 and A350 as a medium size aircraft that fits in between their 777 aircraft and smaller widebody/larger narrowbody aircraft. Being a medium size aircraft, its likely the A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 are the variants on the table.

Saudia’s fleet consists of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including A320 Family aircraft, A330s, Boeing 747s, 777s, 787s and a variety of freighters, so both the A350 and 787 would fit in commonality wise.

Saudi Arabian Airlines will receive a large quantity of aircraft this year, including three of the new, larger variant of the Boeing 787, the 787-10. Seven more will arrive in 2020.

To use the new aircraft and expand their presence, Saudia is evaluating new routes to North America, and code sharing with SkyTeam and Delta Air Lines. It’s not understood what aircraft will be used, however more information will arrive later down the line when a decision is made.