Saudia Group and Airbus Forge Historic Partnership with Record Aircraft Deal

Saudia Group and Airbus inked the largest aircraft deal in the annals of Saudi aviation history. The groundbreaking agreement, unveiled during the inaugural day of the Future Aviation Forum 2024 at the prestigious King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, marks a watershed moment not only for the Saudi aviation sector but also for the broader MENA region.

Under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the historic accord was formalized amidst a gathering of luminaries, including His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, alongside esteemed dignitaries, country ambassadors, and prominent figures from the global aviation fraternity. Media representatives and industry experts specializing in travel, aviation, and transportation also graced the event.

The momentous deal, sealed by H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al Omar, the Director General of Saudia Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft Business at Airbus, encompasses a staggering 105 confirmed aircraft, setting a new benchmark for Saudi aviation excellence. This agreement underscores the kingdom’s steadfast commitment to advancing its aviation infrastructure and fostering unparalleled connectivity on a global scale.

The procurement includes a mix of A320neo and A321neo models, strategically allocated between Saudia and flyadeal, Saudia Group’s esteemed low-cost carrier. Saudia is slated to receive 54 A321neo aircraft, while flyadeal is set to bolster its fleet with 12 A320neo and 39 A321neo aircraft, amplifying its capacity to serve an ever-expanding customer base with enhanced efficiency and reliability.

These cutting-edge aircraft epitomize Saudia Group’s unwavering dedication to realizing the ambitious objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. From bolstering transportation and logistics capabilities to enriching the tourism landscape and facilitating seamless travel experiences for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, these acquisitions are poised to catalyze transformative growth and propel Saudi Arabia into a global aviation powerhouse.

The A320 family aircraft, renowned for their spacious cabin layout and contemporary interior aesthetics, are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and advanced technological features, elevating the travel experience to unprecedented heights of comfort and sophistication. Notably, these aircraft boast superior fuel efficiency, emitting 20% less fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to previous generations, underscoring Saudia Group’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The ceremonial signing ceremony heralded a new era of innovation and excellence for Saudia, heralding the commencement of its most ambitious investment in guest experience to date. From the pioneering introduction of an AI-powered “Travel Companion” to the transformation of business class cabins into opulent, privacy-centric suites replete with flatbed functionality, Saudia is poised to redefine luxury air travel standards. High-speed in-flight connectivity and cutting-edge entertainment systems further enhance the passenger experience, cementing Saudia’s status as a trailblazer in the global aviation arena.