Saudi Group places largest aircraft deal in Saudi history

Saudi Group announced the largest aircraft deal in Saudi aviation history with Airbus during the first day of the Future Aviation Forum 2024. Saudia Group, represented by Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and flyadeal, the group’s low-cost carrier, has signed a firm order for an additional 105 A320neo family aircraft. The deal is worth a total of $19bn at list price, and was announced alongside the Saudi GACA’s State of Aviation report, which found the Saudi aviation sector made $53 billion contribution to the Saudi economy and supported around 958,000 jobs across the country. The signing ceremony, in the presence of the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Saleh Al-Jasser, was attended by dignitaries, country ambassadors, and key figures from the global aviation sector. The deal, signed by Ibrahim Al Omar, the director general of Saudia Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, executive vice president sales of the commercial aircraft business, includes A320neo and A321neo models. These aircraft will be distributed between Saudia and flyadeal, the group's low-cost carrier. Saudia will acquire 54 A321neo aircraft, while flyadeal will receive 12 A320neo and 39 A321neo aircraft. ""Saudia has ambitious operational objectives to meet growing demand,"" said Al-Omar. ""We are increasing flights and seat capacity across our existing 100+ destinations on four continents, with plans for further expansion. ""The progress of Saudi Vision 2030 is attracting more visits, tourists, entrepreneurs, and pilgrims each year. This motivated our decision to secure this significant deal, which will create jobs, increase local content, and contribute to the national economy."" “The new additions of the A320neo family aircraft will play a vital role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’ ambitious Vision 2030 plan,” said Saint-Exupéry. “It will enable Saudia Group’s strategy to advance the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities while enabling both airlines to benefit from the A320neo Family’s exceptional efficiency, superior economics, highest level of passenger comfort as well as lower fuel-burn and emissions."" Saleh Al-Jasser described the agreement as ""one of the enablers of achieving the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy"" to enhance the operational performance of Saudia, increase flights and seat capacity, and launch new destinations. He added: ""It aims to connect the world to the Kingdom in line with the significant transformation witnessed by the aviation sector under Saudi Vision 2030, while also reaffirming our commitment to providing the best services that enhance the travel experience.""