In a bold step towards modernizing its fleet and enhancing operational capacity, Saudia Group has signed a significant new agreement with Airbus for up to 20 A330neo wide-body aircraft.
This latest move includes a firm order for 10 aircraft to be operated by flyadeal, the Group’s fast-growing low-cost airline.
The signing ceremony took place at Airbus’ manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France, and was attended by key aviation figures, including H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft division.
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.
A Strategic Move for Long-Term Growth
With delivery scheduled to start in 2027 and continue through 2029, this fleet enhancement aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 — an ambitious national initiative to transform the Kingdom into a global tourism and transportation hub.
As part of this vision, Saudia aims to support travel to 250 global destinations and help facilitate the movement of over 330 million passengers and 150 million tourists annually by the end of the decade.
“This agreement marks a pivotal milestone in our strategy to modernize and grow,” said H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar. “It strengthens our capacity, enhances maintenance efficiency, and ensures that our operations remain world-class in terms of safety, performance, and passenger comfort.”
The Versatile A330neo: Perfect for flyadeal’s Expansion
The A330neo — Airbus’ new-generation wide-body aircraft — is known for its fuel efficiency, long-range capabilities, and passenger comfort.
It is a natural fit for flyadeal, which is looking to expand its footprint into long-haul markets previously dominated by legacy carriers.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry of Airbus emphasized that the A330neo will play a vital role in supporting Saudia Group’s international ambitions. “This aircraft is a versatile champion, ideal for unlocking new global markets while offering a best-in-class flying experience,” he said.
As a low-cost carrier, flyadeal has so far primarily focused on domestic and regional routes. With the A330neo joining its fleet, flyadeal is now poised to enter the long-haul market — an exciting development for travelers looking for affordable international options without compromising on quality.
Supporting the Kingdom’s Economic and Tourism Growth
Currently operating a fleet of 194 aircraft, Saudia Group is preparing for a massive expansion that includes the delivery of 191 new aircraft over the next several years.
This growth is expected to play a crucial role in stimulating the Kingdom’s economy, increasing job creation, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a major global air travel hub.
This new deal also builds upon Saudia Group’s historic agreement in 2024 with Airbus for 105 aircraft, showcasing the airline’s commitment to working with top-tier global partners to achieve its modernization goals.
About Saudia GRoup and Its Global Reach
Founded in 1945, Saudia Airlines is the national carrier of Saudi Arabia and one of the largest airlines in the Middle East.
It operates a modern fleet serving nearly 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia. The airline is also a long-standing member of major aviation bodies like IATA, AACO, and SkyTeam alliance.
Recently, Saudia was named “World’s Most Improved Airline 2024” by Skytrax, and also earned the “World Class Airline” title for the third consecutive year from APEX Official Airline Ratings™.
Additionally, Saudia was recognized for having the best on-time performance among global airlines, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
This landmark agreement between Saudia Group and Airbus is more than just an aircraft order — it’s a strategic step toward a larger vision.
By equipping its fleet with state-of-the-art aircraft like the A330neo, Saudia is not only reinforcing its market position but also contributing directly to Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global aviation powerhouse.
As 2027 approaches and the first of these aircraft prepare for takeoff, the skies over Saudi Arabia will begin to reflect a new era of innovation, efficiency, and global connectivity.
For more information on Saudia Group, please visit www.saudia.com
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- Saudia Group Airbus deal
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- flyadeal fleet expansion
- Saudi Vision 2030 aviation
- Airbus A330neo specifications
- new Saudia aircraft 2025
- Saudia fleet modernization
- flyadeal long-haul routes
- Saudi aviation growth
- A330neo delivery schedule
