RIYADH (Agencies) In a landmark agreement, Saudia Group has ordered an additional 105 A320neo family aircraft from Airbus, marking the largest aircraft deal in the Kingdom’s history. The announcement was made at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh.
The order, which includes 12 A320neo and 93 A321neo aircraft, increases Airbus’s order backlog from Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, to 144 A320neo family aircraft. The first aircraft from this order is set to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026. The aircraft will be distributed between Saudia and flyadeal, Saudia Group’s low-cost carrier.
The agreement was announced in the presence of Saleh bin Nasser AI-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of Airbus.
Al-Omar highlighted Saudia’s ambitious operational objectives to meet growing demand, with plans to increase flights and seat capacity across their existing 100+ destinations on four continents. He noted that the progress of Saudi Vision 2030, which is attracting more visits, tourists, entrepreneurs, and pilgrims each year, motivated the decision to secure this significant deal. The deal is expected to create jobs, increase local content, and contribute to the national economy.
De Saint-Exupéry emphasized that the new aircraft will play a “vital role” in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan. He added that the A320neo Family’s exceptional efficiency, superior economics, highest level of passenger comfort, and lower fuel-burn and emissions will enable Saudia Group’s strategy to advance the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities. This development marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry of the region.