Physical Address
Indirizzo: Via Mario Greco 60, Buttigliera Alta, 10090, Torino, Italy
As part of a historic investment in favor of growth and progress.
Saudia Group announced the signing of the largest aviation contract in the history of the Saudi aviation industry with Airbus during the first day of the Future Aviation Forum 2024 held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
This historic deal which includes 105 aircraft marks a significant moment not only for the Saudi aviation industry but also for the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The ceremony held in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the President of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, engineer Saleh Al-Jasser, was attended by dignitaries, ambassadors and major personalities from the transport sector. global aviation, as well as numerous media representatives and industry experts specializing in travel, aviation and transportation.
The agreement, signed by His Excellency Engineer Ibrahim Al Omar, Managing Director of Saudia Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales for Airbus’ commercial aircraft business, includes A320neo and A321neo.
These planes will be divided between Saudia and flyadeal, the group’s low-cost airline. Saudia will acquire 54 A321neo aircraft, while flyadeal will receive 12 A320neo aircraft and 39 A321neo family aircraft.
The new aircraft directly reinforce Saudia Group’s goals of connecting the world to the Kingdom, aligning with several key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. This includes the transportation and logistics objective to increase passenger capacity to 330 million passengers and expand destinations to 250 by 2030, as well as the tourism target of attracting 150 million visitors by 2030.
This is in addition to the Hajj and Umrah objective of helping to increase the capacity to accommodate Umrah pilgrims to 30 million by 2030.
These modern aircraft offer a spacious cabin with elegant interior design. They are equipped with the latest amenities and technology, ensuring a truly distinct travel experience that prioritizes the comfort and privacy of Saudia customers while providing exceptional service.
Additionally, the A320 Family aircraft are fuel efficient, emitting 20% less fuel burned and carbon emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.
With the aim of ensuring that the new aircraft are always in excellent condition, Saudia Technic, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) arm of the group, will provide comprehensive maintenance services.
This will be even more crucial with the upcoming completion of the MRO Village at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, significantly increasing the company’s service capacity.
His Excellency Engineer Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, said: “The aviation sector is grateful for the tremendous support provided by the country’s leadership.
This agreement is one of the facilitators for achieving the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. It will help improve Saudia’s operational performance, increase flights and seat capacity, and launch new destinations.
Additionally, it aims to connect the world to the Kingdom in line with the significant transformation the aviation sector is experiencing as part of Saudi Vision 2030, while reaffirming our commitment to providing the best services that enhance the travel experience “.
His Excellency Engineer Ibrahim Al-Omar, Managing Director of Saudia Group, noted: “Saudia has ambitious operational targets to meet growing demand. We are increasing flights to our more than 100 destinations across four continents, with plans for further expansion as well as seat capacity. Progress in Saudi Vision 2030 attracts more visits, tourists, entrepreneurs and pilgrims each year. This motivated our decision to enter into this important agreement, which will create jobs, increase local content and contribute to the national economy.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales for the commercial aircraft business, said: “The new A320neo family aircraft will play a vital role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan. . This will enable Saudia Group’s strategy to advance the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities while allowing both airlines to benefit from exceptional efficiency, superior economy, highest level of passenger comfort as well as of reducing fuel consumption and emissions of the A320neo family.
The ceremony marked a new chapter for Saudia, unveiling their largest ever investment in customer experience.
This includes a first-of-its-kind AI-powered “Travel Companion” to support customers from planning their trip to after-sales service.
Business class cabins will be transformed into luxurious, privacy-focused suites that convert into flat beds, gradually rolling out to both existing and new fleets.
Customers can also stay connected with high-speed connectivity during the flight and enjoy never-before-seen entertainment with the high-definition screens that will soon be on board.
