Saudi Arabia Makes Its Biggest-Ever Airbus Order

Saudi Arabia has made its largest-ever order of narrowbody jets from Airbus, with a procurement of 105 aircraft. This significant deal, valued at around $19 billion according to some estimates, marks the kingdom’s effort to diversify its revenue sources. The order includes 93 A321neos and 12 A320neos, making it the largest deal in Saudi Arabia’s 80-year history with Airbus. Signed during the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, the agreement will see the first aircraft delivered in the first quarter of 2026.

The jets will be integrated into the ‘Saudia Group,’ with plans to enhance passenger experience and meet growing demand for air travel. Saudia Group Director General Ibrahim AlOmar stated that this investment aligns with their goals of expanding flights and seat capacity across their 100-plus destinations.

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The order will be divided between Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia and its sister airline flyadeal. Saudia will receive 54 A321neos, while flyadeal will acquire 12 A320neo and 39 A321neo aircraft. This boosts Saudia Group’s Airbus order backlog to 144 A320neo aircraft.

The procurement coincides with Saudi Arabia’s efforts, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. Initiatives like the development of Neom City and the launch of the Riyadh Air airline reflect the kingdom’s ambitions to attract tourists and achieve significant milestones in aviation, including transporting 330 million passengers annually within the next seven years.