Saudia Group has ordered 105 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking the largest single-sourced aircraft deal in the history of Saudi Arabian aviation.
This order includes 12 A320neo and 93 A321neo aircraft, increasing Saudia Group’s Airbus order backlog to 144 A320neo family aircraft. The deal is aimed to significantly expand the fleets of Saudia and flyadeal, and support Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030.
Specifically, Saudia will receive 54 A321neo aircraft, while flyadeal will receive 51 aircraft, comprising 12 A320neo and 39 A321neo aircraft. The delivery schedule is as follows:
- Saudia: The first aircraft is set to arrive in 2029, with the final delivery in 2032.
- flyadeal: The first aircraft is expected in the first quarter of 2026, with the last delivery slated for 2030.
This agreement was announced at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh.
“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 visits, 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.”
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group.
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Saudia’s Vision 2030 and Strategic Goals
The deal is a cornerstone in realizing Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s blueprint for economic diversification and development. As reported by the group, these new aircraft will help achieve the vision’s targets of transporting 330 million travelers, accommodating 150 million visits, and hosting 30 million pilgrims.
Additionally, the group aims to enhance the Kingdom’s role in international events, sports competitions, and major conferences.
Moreover, this partnership will enable Saudia Technic, a subsidiary of Saudia Group, to become an authorized Airbus maintenance center in the region.
![a plane flying in the sky](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SAUDIA-800x450.jpg)
Enhancing Guest Experience
In conjunction with the aircraft order, Saudia is investing in innovative services and products to elevate the travel experience.
This is also the largest investment in guest experience in Saudia’s history which will extend to more than 130 Airbus and Boeing aircraft in the next 8 years. The enhancements include the following:
- A comprehensive seat retrofit program for current and new aircraft.
- Addition of 49 fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliners including 23 B787-9 and 26 B787-10s to the fleet.
- 15,000 retrofitted seats will feature 4K OLED screens with programmable LED lighting Installation.
- Launch of an AI-powered Travel Companion for booking concierge services such as hotels, transportation, restaurants, activities, and attractions.
- High-speed in-flight WIFI connectivity will be implemented across its fleet.
Starting in Q4 2025, Business Class cabins will be transformed into private suites, and some aircraft will feature double beds in the first row. These enhancements are designed to offer unparalleled luxury, privacy, and comfort.
The Saudia Group order for these additional A320neo aircraft is not only a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in global aviation but also a critical step towards achieving Vision 2030.
By modernizing its fleet and enhancing guest experience, Saudia Group is aiming to play a pivotal role in connecting the world to the Kingdom, bridging continents, and fostering economic and cultural ties.
Feature Image via Airbus