Saudia Group To Expand With 20 New Airbus A330neo Aircraft

In a move to boost its operational capacity and connect more destinations globally, Saudia Group has signed a new aircraft deal with Airbus for up to 20 state-of-the-art A330neo wide-body aircraft. The agreement includes 10 confirmed orders for flyadeal, the Group’s budget airline, reinforcing its ambitious expansion plans.

The A330neo is recognised for its fuel efficiency, extended range, and adaptability, making it a fitting choice for Saudia Group’s vision to broaden its network and improve service across both its full-service and low-cost operations. Deliveries of the new aircraft are expected to begin in 2027 and will continue through to 2029.

The signing ceremony took place at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, and was attended by key figures from both organisations. Among those present were Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business. The agreement was formally signed by Saleh Eid, Vice President of Fleet Management at Saudia Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.

Omar stated, “Today’s deal marks a pivotal milestone in our ambitious strategy to modernise and expand our 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.”

“This deal supports Saudia Group’s plans to grow and improve its operations. It adds to the modernisation of our fleet, improves aircraft maintenance, and makes our overall operations more efficient,” he added further. 

Exupéry also commented, “Saudia Group’s A330neo order for flyadeal marks a key step in advancing the Kingdom’s aviation ambition to unlock long-haul markets and attract new customers. The A330neo’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. We look forward to seeing this versatile champion fly in flyadeal colours.”

This development is part of a broader growth strategy for Saudia Group, which currently operates a fleet of 194 aircraft. The Group’s plans include the addition of 191 more aircraft in the coming years to meet rising demand across various segments, including passenger travel, cargo transport, and logistics services