Saudi Flag Carrier in Early Discussions With Boeing and Airbus on Potential Jet Purchase Exceeding 150 Aircraft
Saudi Arabia’s national airline is exploring its largest-ever aircraft acquisition to renew and expand its fleet, spurring industry interest
Saudi Arabia’s flagship airline, Saudia, is in preliminary talks with both Boeing and Airbus about a major aircraft order that could be the carrier’s biggest in history, according to people familiar with the matter.
The discussions, still at an early stage, focus on the purchase of at least one hundred and fifty narrowbody and widebody jets, although specific models and final terms have not yet been agreed.
The potential acquisition would form part of Saudia’s broader strategy to modernise its roughly two-hundred-aircraft fleet and support the kingdom’s rapidly expanding aviation sector, which has already seen significant orders including a historic commitment to one hundred and five Airbus A320neo family aircraft and large deals involving other carriers such as Riyadh Air.
The envisaged new order is understood to encompass a mix of aircraft types designed for both short-haul and long-haul operations, reflecting Saudia’s growth ambitions under Saudi Vision 2030.
Investors reacted positively to the news of the talks, with shares in both Boeing and Airbus rising modestly despite broader market pressure, as markets priced in the prospect of substantial future business.
The discussions coincide with ongoing expansion throughout the Saudi aviation ecosystem, which has seen airlines like flynas and Riyadh Air place significant aircraft orders and position the kingdom as a rising global aviation hub.
While Saudia has yet to finalise its order, the early engagement with the two world’s leading commercial aircraft manufacturers highlights Riyadh’s intent to balance fleet renewal with capacity expansion.
Saudia’s leadership has emphasised the importance of aligning its procurement with long-term strategic goals, including enhancing connectivity, boosting tourism and supporting economic diversification.
The airline and the manufacturers involved declined to provide immediate comment on the status of the negotiations, and industry analysts caution that detailed planning and model selection will be key determinants of the ultimate order’s scale and composition.
The discussions, still at an early stage, focus on the purchase of at least one hundred and fifty narrowbody and widebody jets, although specific models and final terms have not yet been agreed.
The potential acquisition would form part of Saudia’s broader strategy to modernise its roughly two-hundred-aircraft fleet and support the kingdom’s rapidly expanding aviation sector, which has already seen significant orders including a historic commitment to one hundred and five Airbus A320neo family aircraft and large deals involving other carriers such as Riyadh Air.
The envisaged new order is understood to encompass a mix of aircraft types designed for both short-haul and long-haul operations, reflecting Saudia’s growth ambitions under Saudi Vision 2030.
Investors reacted positively to the news of the talks, with shares in both Boeing and Airbus rising modestly despite broader market pressure, as markets priced in the prospect of substantial future business.
The discussions coincide with ongoing expansion throughout the Saudi aviation ecosystem, which has seen airlines like flynas and Riyadh Air place significant aircraft orders and position the kingdom as a rising global aviation hub.
While Saudia has yet to finalise its order, the early engagement with the two world’s leading commercial aircraft manufacturers highlights Riyadh’s intent to balance fleet renewal with capacity expansion.
Saudia’s leadership has emphasised the importance of aligning its procurement with long-term strategic goals, including enhancing connectivity, boosting tourism and supporting economic diversification.
The airline and the manufacturers involved declined to provide immediate comment on the status of the negotiations, and industry analysts caution that detailed planning and model selection will be key determinants of the ultimate order’s scale and composition.
