Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier Saudia is holding preliminary talks with Boeing and Airbus for the purchase of at least 150 new aircraft as part of its fleet strategy. According to Bloomberg, if finalized, this order would be the largest aircraft deal in Saudia’s history.
At this stage, discussions are focused on the total number of aircraft, while the specific models and the split between Airbus and Boeing have not yet been determined. The package is expected to include both narrowbody and widebody jets, which would be used not only to renew part of the existing fleet but also to support capacity growth. Saudia’s current fleet consists of around 200 aircraft.
The potential agreement is seen as a key part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy to turn the country into a global tourism and transportation hub. In this context, significant public investment is being directed into the aviation sector.
In 2024, Saudia Group placed an order for 105 narrowbody aircraft from Airbus, and a year earlier signed a major deal with Boeing for 787 Dreamliners along with additional options. At the same time, a business model transformation is underway within the group. Under this plan, Saudia will focus mainly on religious travel such as Hajj and Umrah, while the newly established Riyadh Air will be positioned in the premium tourism segment.
