Saudia Group and Airbus Sign the Largest Aircraft Deal in Saudi Aviation
2024年5月21日 - 9:57PM
ビジネスワイヤ(英語)
As Part of a Historic Investment Towards
Growth and Advancement
Saudia Group announced the largest aircraft deal in Saudi
aviation history 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
landmark agreement encompasses 105 confirmed aircraft and marks a
significant moment not only for the Saudi aviation industry but
also for the wider MENA region. The ceremony, in the presence of
His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and
Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Engr. Saleh
Al-Jasser, was attended by dignitaries, country ambassadors, and
key figures from the global aviation sector, as well as a multitude
of media representatives and industry experts specializing in
travel, aviation, and transportation.
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Saudia Group and Airbus signs the largest
aircraft deal in Saudi aviation as part of a historic investment
towards growth and advancement. (Photo: Business Wire)
The deal, signed by H.E. Engr. 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.
The new aircraft directly supports Saudia Group's objectives to
connect the world with the Kingdom, aligning with several key
pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. These include the transportation and
logistics objective to increase guest capacity to 330 million and
expand destinations to 250 by 2030, and the tourism objective to
attract 150 million visits by 2030. This is in addition to the Hajj
and Umrah objective to contribute to the increase of Umrah pilgrim
capacity to 30 million by 2030.
These modern aircraft boast a spacious cabin with a stylish
interior design. They're equipped with the latest amenities and
technology, ensuring a truly differentiated travel experience that
prioritizes Saudia guests’ comfort and privacy whilst delivering an
exceptional service. Furthermore, the A320 family aircraft are fuel
efficient as it emits 20% less fuel burn and carbon emissions
compared to previous generation aircraft.
To ensure the new aircraft are always in top condition, Saudia
Technic, the group's Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) arm,
will provide comprehensive maintenance services. This will prove
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.
H.E. Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, the 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 enablers of achieving the objectives of the
National Transport and Logistics Strategy. It will contribute to
enhancing the operational performance of Saudia, increasing flights
and seat capacity, and launching new destinations. Furthermore, 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."
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group,
said: "Saudia has ambitious operational objectives to meet
growing demand. 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."
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of
the Commercial Aircraft business said: “The new additions of
the A320neo family aircraft will play a vital role in contributing
to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan. 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."
The ceremony marked a new chapter for Saudia, unveiling their
largest investment ever in guest experience. This includes a
first-of-its-kind AI-powered “Travel Companion,” to support guests
through trip planning to after sales support. Business class cabins
will be transformed into luxurious, privacy-focused suites that
convert into flat beds, progressively rolling out across both
existing and new fleets. Guests can also stay connected with high
speed in-flight connectivity and enjoy unparalleled entertainment
with the highest-definition screens soon to be on board.
About Saudia Group
Saudia Group is one of the largest aviation conglomerates in the
MENA region. The Group drives industry development with its 12
strategic business units, and offers world-class air transport,
cargo services, ground services, logistics, maintenance, catering,
private aviation, real estate, training, and medical services.
The mission of Saudia Group is to inspire people to go beyond
borders with a purpose that is rooted in unlocking human potential
and connecting the world in ways never thought possible. The group
is committed to reshaping the aviation ecosystem in the MENA region
and beyond, by embracing innovation and a customer-centric
approach.
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U.S. Media Michelle McCoy, mmccoy@shiftcomm.com, 207-450-2238
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