Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier Flynas is in talks for an Airbus SE jet order, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg, as the main challenger to U.S.-based Boeing eyes major deals from growing Middle East carriers.
According to Bloomberg, the carrier may announce an accord Airbus “as soon as the Paris Air Show starting early next week.” The carrier said previously that it was considering establishing local units in two additional countries as part of a plan to become the Middle East’s largest discount carrier.
Flynas’ reported interest in Airbus planes would add to its fleet comprised of planes exclusively from the France-based producer. The company has a few Airbus A330 widebody units used predominantly for the Hajj pilgrimage, Bloomberg notes.
Flynas doubled annual growth in operation and performance during 2022, with increasing passengers by 91% to 8.7 million; flights by 45% to 66,000 and seat capacity by 46%. Additionally, flynas launched 16 new destinations and 30 new routes as the fleet upscaled to 43 aircraft.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia launched a new airline, Riyadh Air, and named an industry-veteran CEO in Tony Douglas for the new company. The airline, along with current state-flag carrier Saudi Airlines (Saudia), signed an agreement for an order of 72 Boeing-made airplanes.
The agreement for the planes was signed on Tuesday March 14 in the presence of HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar al-Saud and PIF Governor Yassir Al-Rumayyan.
Yesterday, Riyadh Airways flew its first flight over the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to display its new livery after receiving a license from the General Authority for Civil Aviation.
