In a significant move to expand and modernize its fleet, Saudia Airlines, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, announced on Monday a deal to purchase 105 Airbus aircraft, specifically the A320neo and A321neo models.
This landmark agreement aims to enhance the airline’s global connectivity and operational capacity, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic and developmental goals.
The announcement was made on the inaugural day of the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, an event that highlights the dynamic growth and future plans of the aviation industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The Saudi Press Agency reported that this acquisition is a strategic step in Saudia Airlines’ plan to meet the increasing demand for air travel, driven by the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative.
Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, emphasized the airline’s commitment to achieving its operational goals in light of the growing influx of visitors, tourists, entrepreneurs, and pilgrims. “The progress of Saudi Vision 2030 is attracting more visitors each year, and our fleet expansion is crucial to meet this rising demand,” Al-Omar stated. He added that the new aircraft would not only modernize Saudia’s fleet but also significantly improve the airline’s operational efficiency and environmental footprint.
Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, highlighted the importance of the Future Aviation Forum in facilitating such transformative deals. He remarked, “The forum’s activities, agreements, and deals are instrumental in strengthening our efforts to meet new challenges in the aviation sector.” Al-Jasser also discussed the establishment of Riyadh Air, a new airline aimed at connecting Riyadh with over 100 international destinations. Furthermore, he pointed to the ambitious King Salman International Airport project in Riyadh, which is expected to increase its capacity to accommodate 100 million passengers by 2030.
The Future Aviation Forum, organized by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, is a major event in the aviation calendar, drawing over 5,000 industry experts and leaders from more than 120 countries. This year’s forum brought together over 30 government ministers and 77 heads of civil aviation authorities and international air carriers, creating a robust platform for discussions on the future of aviation.
The purchase of the 105 Airbus aircraft marks a significant milestone for Saudia Airlines as it continues to evolve and adapt to the rapidly changing dynamics of global air travel. This move is expected to bolster Saudi Arabia’s position as a major hub in international aviation, reflecting the country’s broader vision of economic diversification and development under Vision 2030.
