Saudia takes delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR
May 26, 2026
Saudia has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, becoming the first airline in the Middle East and Africa to operate the extra-long-range narrowbody aircraft. The delivery marks another milestone in the long-haul single-aisle aircraft program, which is allowing airlines to open thinner international routes more efficiently.
The aircraft, registered HZ-ASBA, arrived in Jeddah following its delivery flight from Toulouse. It is the first of 15 A321XLRs Saudia has ordered, as part of a wider fleet modernisation strategy aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aviation ambitions.
The Airbus A321XLR aircraft, powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines, introduces “The New Saudia Experience,” including upgraded cabins, in-flight connectivity, and enhanced onboard services.
Saudia A321XLR cabins offer more room for long-haul comfort
Saudia’s version of the aircraft is configured to offer passengers plenty of personal space. It is a low-density aircraft with just 144 seats in all, including 24 new Thompson Aero Seating VantageSOLO lie-flat business class suites that offer direct aisle access.
Designed by Geneva-based DesignInvestment, the new A321XLR cabins feature a warm, welcoming aesthetic that enhances a personal sense of space. The business class suites enhance comfort and privacy, while the economy class introduces an “enhanced seat design” with 13-inch in-flight entertainment screens and charging ports.
Business class passengers will enjoy Saudia’s in-flight chef service—personalised dining featuring a selection of Saudi and international cuisine.
The aircraft is also equipped with high-speed in-flight connectivity, which supports browsing, live streaming of entertainment content, and virtual meetings.
“The delivery of the A321XLR reflects the momentum of Saudia’s ongoing transformation,” said His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, in the airline’s announcement.
“As we continue to grow our fleet, our focus is not only on adding capacity, but on investing in aircraft, products, and capabilities that strengthen Saudia’s competitiveness and support the Kingdom’s aviation ambitions. The New Saudia Experience reflects this direction, bringing together enhanced onboard products, service quality, and operational efficiency to deliver a more distinctive journey for our guests.”
A321XLR’s extended range supports Saudia’s network growth
The Airbus A321XLR extends the range of the A321neo family to around 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), enabling airlines to operate routes of up to nine hours with lower trip costs than larger twin-aisle aircraft. That capability has made the aircraft especially attractive for carriers seeking to expand international networks without the risk of deploying underfilled widebodies.
Saudia says the new aircraft will support its network growth “across key travel segments, including tourism, business, major events, and pilgrimage travel.” The airline’s fleet plans align with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Aviation Strategy as the Kingdom prepares to host global events, including the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Expo 2030, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The aircraft is expected to debut on international routes and destinations where the economics of a smaller long-range aircraft are particularly attractive.
According to the latest update published on AeroRoutes, Saudia has made a few adjustments to its initial A321XLR launch plans.
The airline cancelled a planned inaugural Airbus A321XLR flight on the Jeddah – Madrid route, previously scheduled for June 3, and rescheduled the inaugural to June 11 on the Jeddah – Vienna route. AeroRoutes notes that “further changes to planned A321XLR inaugural remain highly possible.”
The carrier also cancelled a planned Riyadh – Moscow Sheremetyevo A321XLR service, which was previously scheduled as five-weekly flights, running from 2 July to 15 September.
Saudia revised A321XLR service as of May 24, 2026
- Jeddah – Vienna effective 11 June as a twice weekly service (4 weekly from 28 June, and 3 weekly from 8 September)
- Jeddah – Paris Charles de Gaulle beginning 17 June as a three-times weekly service (one flight daily from 17 September)
- Jeddah – Riyadh with various flights starting from 6 July, instead of 1 July as previously scheduled.
- Jeddah – Male beginning 1 August as a three-times weekly service (previously scheduled to launch on 1 July)
- Jeddah – Madrid launching on 1 August as a six-times weekly service
- Riyadh – Athens service running from 12 August through 26 August as one weekly flight (previously scheduled from 5 August–26 August).
- Jeddah – Geneva, beginning on 1 September with one daily flight
- Riyadh – Geneva launching on 2 September with four-times weekly service (3 of 4 weekly flights are already available for reservations)
Saudia expects to receive all 15 A321XLRs by 2027 as it expands its fleet to support the Kingdom’s aim of welcoming over 150 million visitors per year by 2030.
Featured Image: Airbus
