Saudia Eyes 150+ Aircraft Order from Boeing, Airbus

Major Fleet Expansion Under Consideration

Saudia, Saudi Arabia's national airline, is reportedly in preliminary discussions with manufacturers Boeing and Airbus for a potential order of at least 150 aircraft. This move could represent the airline's largest-ever fleet acquisition, signaling a significant expansion strategy.

Strategic Alignment with Vision 2030

The potential deal aligns with Saudi Arabia's strategic vision to transform the kingdom into a major global travel and logistics hub. Saudia is evaluating offers for both narrowbody and widebody jets to modernize and expand its current fleet of approximately 200 aircraft. The airline is being repositioned to focus on religious pilgrimage traffic, complementing the new premium carrier, Riyadh Air.

Economic and Market Impact

A large-scale order would provide a significant boost to either Boeing or Airbus, securing production slots for years to come. For the aviation market, it signals strong recovery and growth ambitions in the Middle East. The final decision will likely influence stock performance for the chosen manufacturer and its key suppliers.

Conclusion and Outlook

While discussions are in an early phase and a final agreement is not guaranteed, this potential order underscores the scale of investment in Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. The market will be closely watching for further developments regarding the specific aircraft types and quantities selected.

FAQ

Q: How many aircraft is Saudia considering buying?
A: Saudia is reportedly considering an order for at least 150 narrowbody and widebody aircraft.

Q: Which manufacturers are involved in the talks?
A: The discussions are with both Boeing Co. and Airbus SE.

Source: Investing.com