According to a press release, Saudia is set to lease 50 Airbus planes as the national carrier of Saudi Arabia expands its fleet, including 30 Airbus aircraft of A320-200 model and 20 aircraft of A330-300 model.
In a statement last week, Airbus confirmed that Saudia will become the first airline in the world to operate the new Airbus A330-300 Regional.
A computer rendering of the A330-300 for Saudia.
“Passenger demand in Saudi Arabia is experiencing high growth both on domestic and regional routes. The new A330-300 Regional variant, specially designed for regional and domestic operations, is Airbus’ solution for markets with large populations and fast growing, concentrated air traffic flows. The A330-300 Regional is set to boost capacity on several of Saudi Arabian Airlines most in-demand routes, enabling the airline to better serve the Saudi Arabian and regional travelling public,” Airbus said. “The A330-300 Regional is optimized to seat up to 400 passengers on missions up to 3,000 nm and offers significant cost savings through a reduced operational weight of around 200 tonnes.”
The International Airfinance Corporation (“IAFC”) has appointed Quantum Investment Bank Ltd (“Quantum”) and Palma Capital Limited (“Palma”) as exclusive Arrangers for Saudi Arabian Airlines’ largest aircraft leasing deal in history.
