Saudia Group inks deal with Airbus for 20 A330neos
April 24, 2025
The Saudia Group, which includes national airline Saudia and the low-cost carrier flyadeal, has announced a deal with Airbus to acquire 20 wide-body A330neo aircraft.
Aligning with the group’s strategy to broaden its operational reach and expand its network, 10 of the new aircraft are firm orders for flyadeal. The group currently operates a fleet of 194 aircraft across its commercial aviation, cargo operations and logistics services and is expecting delivery of an additional 191 aircraft in the coming years – more than 120 of which are Airbus aircraft. The deliveries of its latest Airbus order are due to begin in 2027 with the final aircraft arriving in 2029.
Historic order
During a signing ceremony at the OEMs facility in Toulouse, H.E. Engr. Ibrahim al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, said the deal marked a “pivotal milestone” in the airline’s strategy to modernise and expand its fleet. “It builds on last year’s historic deal with Airbus for 105 aircraft. This step aligns with our national strategies under Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to connect 250 destinations and facilitate the travel of over 330 million travellers and 150 million tourists by 2030.”
He was joined by Benoit de Saint-Exupery, executive vice president for Airbus’ commercial aircraft business, who expressed his enthusiasm for the A330neo to bel flown in flyadeal colours. He underlined the aircraft’s “proven versatility, new-generation efficiency and excellent passenger experience will perfectly support Saudia Group’s strategic growth and solidify their position as a global aviation leader.”
Competition with Riyadh Air
Saudia’s latest fleet expansion plans follow the announcement earlier this month that Riyadh Air, which is set to become the Kingdom’s second flag carrier operating out of Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh, was officially granted an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) earlier this month. The AOC authorises the airline to start commercial flight operations and follows the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA’s) audit of the airline’s technical and aircraft systems, operational readiness, equipment and the qualifications of both flight and ground personnel. Riyadh Air plans to begin operations later this year.
