Saudia Group has announced a landmark widebody aircraft order for its low-cost subsidiary, flyadeal.
The agreement with Airbus sees the acquisition of ten new A330-900 aircraft, marking flyadeal’s inaugural foray into widebody jets.
This acquisition paves the way for the airline to introduce new long-haul routes. The order also reinforces flyadeal’s objective to maintain the youngest fleet among low-cost carriers in the Middle East.
Acquisition Announcement
The official announcement took place at a signing ceremony held at Airbus’ production facilities in Toulouse, France. The event was attended by prominent figures including His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, the Director General of Saudia Group, and Christian Scherer, the Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.
Also present were Saleh Eid, Vice President of Fleet Management and Agreements at Saudia Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.
His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar explained the strategy behind the agreement. “This deal represents a crucial milestone in our ambitious strategy to modernize and expand our fleet.”
“Building upon our historic agreement with Airbus last year for 105 aircraft, this step is directly aligned with the national objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. Our aim is to connect 250 destinations and facilitate the travel of over 330 million passengers and 150 million tourists by the year 2030.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry also noted the relevance of the order with respect to the Kingdom’s aviation ambitions. “Saudia Group’s A330neo order for flyadeal signifies a key advancement in the Kingdom’s vision. It unlocks long-haul markets and attract new customer segments,” he said.
“The A330neo’s proven versatility, next-generation efficiency, and exceptional passenger experience . It will perfectly support Saudia Group’s strategic growth and solidify their position as a leading force in global aviation. We eagerly anticipate seeing this versatile aircraft proudly flying in flyadeal’s colors.”
Saudia Group Prior Orders
This latest order follows Saudia Group’s substantial commitment in May 2024. This included an order for 105 Airbus aircraft, with 54 of those being A321neo aircraft specifically for flyadeal.
Currently, flyadeal operates a modern fleet consisting of 37 aircraft from the A320 Family. Saudia, the group’s flagship carrier, operates a robust fleet of 93 aircraft, encompassing both A320 Family and A330 aircraft.
Airbus A330neo
The A330-900 is powered by the advanced Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. This enables an impressive non-stop flying range of 7,200 nautical miles (13,300 kilometers).
Passengers onboard the A330neo will experience the award-winning Airspace cabin, designed to offer a superior level of comfort. It offers enhanced ambiance, and a thoughtful design.
Key features of this cabin include increased personal space, larger overhead storage bins, a modern and adaptable lighting system, and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity options.
As of the end of March 2025, the Airbus A330 Family has garnered over 1,800 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide, underscoring its popularity and reliability in the aviation industry.
In line with the global push for sustainable aviation, the A330 Family, like all Airbus aircraft, is currently capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Airbus has set an ambitious target to achieve 100% SAF capability by the year 2030, demonstrating a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of air travel.
Summary
This strategic investment in widebody aircraft marks a new chapter for flyadeal, enabling the airline to broaden its network with long haul operations. It continues its commitment to operating a young and efficient fleet.
The introduction of the A330-900 is poised to significantly contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of expanding tourism and connectivity.
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