SAUDIA Fleet Expands to Include New A321neo Aircraft

Jeddah, August 3, 2023: SAUDIA has taken a significant step towards enhancing its fleet capabilities with the introduction of a new aircraft type, the Airbus A321neo, carrying the theme “A neo-way of flying.” This strategic move aligns seamlessly with SAUDIA’s ambitious expansion plans, aiming to integrate 20 additional A321neo aircraft into its fleet by the year 2026.

The Airbus A321neo is a narrow-body airliner belonging to the esteemed A320 family, which has garnered widespread preference among airlines worldwide due to its exceptional performance and superior comfort. This new addition to SAUDIA’s fleet marks a significant milestone in its pursuit of offering unparalleled flying experiences.

One of the prime factors underpinning this aircraft acquisition is its remarkable fuel efficiency. The A320 family of aircraft, which includes the A321neo, has collectively contributed to a reduction of 20 million tons of CO2 emissions since the A320neo variant entered global service in 2016. The integration of innovative features such as Sharklets, advanced fuel-efficient engines, and cutting-edge cabin enhancements has culminated in a 20 percent decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, a 50 percent reduction in noise footprint, a 5 percent decrease in airframe maintenance costs, and a notable 14 percent reduction in cash operating costs per seat when compared to previous-generation aircraft.

Captain Ibrahim Koshy, SAUDIA’s CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for this expansion: “We are excited to expand our fleet with the new Airbus A321neo aircraft. Our priority is to offer the best guest experience possible and to bring the world to Saudi Arabia, and we will continue to purchase state-of-the-art aircraft from the world’s top manufacturers to deliver on that promise.”

Koshy further emphasized the airline’s commitment to sustainability and innovation: “We commend Airbus for continuously looking to improve the performance of their aircraft, which goes in line with SAUDIA’s ambition to provide the best guest experience possible while contributing to making aviation more sustainable.”

This partnership between SAUDIA and Airbus stands as a testament to the long-standing trust and collaborative history shared between the two entities. Furthermore, it harmonizes with Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Strategy bolstering safety measures, and promoting environmental sustainability. SAUDIA’s fleet expansion mirrors the airline’s overarching objective of attracting around 330 million visitors to the Kingdom by 2030. Collaborating with Airbus to augment its fleet signifies SAUDIA’s resolute commitment to attaining a prominent position in the aviation industry. This expansion initiative is also anticipated to generate fresh employment opportunities across various operational roles, including pilots and cabin crew.