Saudia considers Boeing and Airbus options for new aircraft order

Saudia is in early discussions with Boeing and Airbus over a potential aircraft order that could involve about 150 jets, as the Saudi flag carrier reviews options to renew and expand its fleet, Bloomberg reported.

The talks cover both narrowbody and widebody aircraft from the U.S. and European manufacturers, according to the report, citing people familiar with the matter. The new airplanes would replace part of Saudia’s existing fleet, although no timeline or breakdown by aircraft type has been disclosed.

Saudia has placed significant orders with both manufacturers in recent years. In May 2024, the airline ordered 105 aircraft from the Airbus A320neo family, while in March 2023 it committed to 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with options for 10 additional units.

Founded in 1945 with a single Douglas DC-3, Saudia now operates a fleet of 166 aircraft supplied by Boeing and Airbus. Its narrowbody fleet comprises 37 A320s, 15 A321s and 12 A321neos, while widebody operations are supported by 34 A330-300s, 37 777-300ERs, two 777-200s, 13 787-9s and eight 787-10s. The group’s cargo division operates an additional eight freighters, including four 747-400Fs and four 777Fs.

The potential order comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates its aviation expansion strategy. In October, newly launched Riyadh Air, owned by the Public Investment Fund, began operations with daily flights to London Heathrow. The airline has 182 aircraft on order and plans to serve 100 international destinations by 2030.

Saudi authorities have signaled that further growth is planned. In November, the head of the Saudi Tourism Authority said the country intends to launch three additional airlines as part of a broader effort to reach a target of 150 million annual visitors by the end of the decade.

About the Author

Ricardo Meier

Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.

Articles by the author »