Saudia Group Discloses Order for 10 Airbus A330neo Aircraft for Flyadeal

In a landmark move to expand its international footprint, flyadeal—Saudia Group’s low-cost carrier—has officially placed its first widebody aircraft order with Airbus, securing 10 state-of-the-art A330-900 jets. The milestone agreement, announced during a signing ceremony at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, marks a significant step in flyadeal’s strategic growth and long-haul service ambitions.

This order not only represents flyadeal’s entry into the widebody aircraft market but also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation objectives under Vision 2030, which includes connecting 250 destinations globally and accommodating over 330 million travelers and 150 million tourists annually by the end of the decade.

A New Chapter for flyadeal and Saudia Group

The deal was formalized in the presence of key aviation leaders including His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group; Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft; Saleh Eid, VP of Fleet Management and Agreements at Saudia Group; and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales at Airbus.

H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar expressed enthusiasm about the fleet expansion, stating:

“This is a pivotal step in realizing our long-term vision of modernization and network growth. It follows last year’s historic agreement with Airbus for 105 new aircraft. The addition of the A330neo to flyadeal’s fleet underscores our commitment to building the youngest, most efficient fleet among Middle East low-cost carriers.”

This latest order adds to Saudia Group’s robust aircraft acquisition plans, which in May 2024 included 54 Airbus A321neo jets specifically for flyadeal. Currently, flyadeal operates 37 aircraft from the Airbus A320 Family, while Saudia manages a mixed fleet of 93 aircraft including A320 Family and A330 models.

Airbus A330-900: A Game Changer for flyadeal’s Long-Haul Strategy

The A330-900 is part of Airbus’ next-generation A330neo family. Designed for efficiency and comfort, the aircraft is powered by the cutting-edge Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, enabling non-stop travel up to 7,200 nautical miles (approximately 13,300 kilometers). This makes it an ideal choice for expanding flyadeal’s reach to long-haul markets.

Passengers onboard the A330-900 can look forward to a premium travel experience with Airbus' award-winning Airspace cabin. Features include:

• More personal space
• Larger overhead storage bins
• Enhanced ambient lighting
• Advanced in-flight entertainment and connectivity

Supporting Sustainability and Innovation in Aviation

Airbus' A330neo family is also leading the charge in sustainable aviation. The aircraft is already certified to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a roadmap to achieve 100% SAF capability by 2030. This aligns closely with Saudia Group’s commitment to environmental responsibility as part of its overall strategic growth.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry of Airbus remarked:

“The addition of the A330neo to flyadeal’s fleet is a vital move toward unlocking global markets for Saudi Arabia. This versatile aircraft will help the airline attract more international travelers while maintaining operational efficiency. We're excited to see flyadeal embrace the future of aviation.”

A Skyward Leap Toward Vision 2030

This latest Airbus order positions flyadeal as a major player in Saudi Arabia’s evolving aviation landscape. The expansion of its fleet with long-range, fuel-efficient aircraft will not only boost connectivity but also enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness in global air travel.

As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with its Vision 2030 transformation plan, the aviation sector remains a critical pillar. This strategic aircraft acquisition by flyadeal is yet another clear signal that the Kingdom is serious about becoming a top-tier global travel hub.