Saudi Arabia’s national aviation group, Saudia Group, has announced an order for 10 Airbus A330-900 aircraft for its low-cost subsidiary, flyadeal. This marks the airline’s first entry into widebody and long-haul operations, having previously operated an all narrow-body fleet.
The agreement was unveiled during a ceremony at Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse, France. Attendees included Saudia Group Director General Ibrahim Al-Omar, Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer, Saudia Group Vice President of Fleet Management and Agreements Saleh Eid, and Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry.
This new order follows Saudia Group’s major agreement signed last year for 105 Airbus aircraft, including 54 A321neo jets for flyadeal. The investment is part of the group’s strategy to renew and expand its fleet in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to transport 330 million passengers and 150 million tourists annually and reach 250 destinations.
Initial reports about flyadeal’s plans to acquire 10 A330neo aircraft first surfaced in January. The widebody jets will support the airline’s expansion into new long-haul routes.
