Saudi Arabia finalizing plans for ‘substantial’ aircraft order
The Saudia Group, which includes national airline Saudia and low-cost carrier Flyadeal, is advancing with plans to make a “substantial” jet order for delivery starting in 2031, a group executive said.
The proposed purchase needs to be approved by the board of directors before the group can start shopping, said Sanjiv Kapoor, executive vice president of strategy at Saudia Group and acting chief executive officer at Flyadeal. He declined to say how many planes the group wants to buy, though he said some are meant to expand the fleet while others will replace aging aircraft.
Bloomberg News reported in February that Saudia was in early talks with Boeing Co. and Airbus SE to buy at least 150 narrowbody and widebody jets, which would be its largest purchase ever.
“We have now completed the assessment of the number of aircraft we will need for growth as well as to replace the older fleet in the longer term,” Kapoor said in an interview. “The RFP process will start once we have board approval for what will be a substantial order for the two airlines,” he said, referring to the tender process.
The group is aiming for deliveries in 2031-2040, according to Kapoor. “Whether we order all in one go or in tranches remains to be seen.”
The group now operates a 196-jet fleet from Airbus and Boeing, with 149 flying for Saudia and 47 for Flyadeal.
Saudia has been the Kingdom’s flag carrier since its founding in 1945, and operations rely heavily on the religious pilgrimage to the country. In 2023, Saudi Arabia launched Riyadh Air, which is headquartered in the capital and plans to focus more on business travel.
“It’s good to make both airlines try to be as good as the other,” Kapoor said. “You are going to have two world-class airlines.”
Carriers are trying to finalize their long-term aircraft requirements with plenty of lead time for manufacturers due to supply chain issues that are crimping the pace of deliveries. India’s newest carrier, Akasa Air, also started discussions to order more than 200 Boeing 737 Max jets for deliveries beyond 2032.
