Flynas, a low-cost airline based in Saudi Arabia, has secured an agreement to buy 160 Airbus aircraft, increasing its order total to 280 aircraft.
The airline stated in a statement that the “landmark agreement,” which was inked at the United Kingdom’s Farnborough International Airshow, comprises an order for 30 wide-body A330neo aircraft and 130 narrow-body A320 family aircraft.
This is consistent with the “Saudi Vision 2030,” which aims to encourage airlines’ aggressive expansion under the tagline, “We connect the world to the Kingdom,” and modernise the aviation industry. Additionally, it solidifies the airline’s place among the top four low-cost carriers globally.
The agreement is also in line with the Kingdom’s aviation objectives, which include tripling the number of passengers carried annually to 330 million, increasing connectivity to over 250 destinations, and increasing the capacity of air freight to 4.5 million tons of cargo annually by 2030.
President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz Al-Duailej remarked, “I congratulate Flynas on this substantial agreement, which shows the rapid development and reform of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector under Vision 2030.”
He continued, calling Flynas’ development and expansion “really outstanding,” and saying, “This arrangement is pivotal for realising the National Civil Aviation Strategy’s goal to connect the Kingdom with over 250 foreign destinations and raise passenger traffic to 330 million annually by 2030.”
Flynas CEO and MD Bander Al-Mohanna said, “This agreement to purchase 160 Airbus aircraft underscores our ambition to develop Flynas as a premier global low-cost carrier.”
He continued by saying that this is his company’s first purchase with Airbus for the wide-body A330neo, with deliveries beginning in 2027.
The CEO stated, “By doubling our order volume to 280 Airbus aircraft, we ensure sustainable growth across our network of regional and international routes, spanning short, medium, and long-haul flights.” This will allow the airline to investigate new long-haul markets and provide passengers with more seat capacity along with a variety of cutting-edge products.
Christian Scherer, the CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, called the agreement “a key milestone” for the company’s A320neo and A330-900 aircraft.
“By leveraging Airbus’ distinctive commonality, the A330neo will enable Flynas to further expand into widebody markets,” Scherer said.
“Flynas can grow into new markets with the economy and agility of both aircraft types, while providing its passengers with the newest cabin experience and comfort. We are eager to work with Flynas again as they begin this exciting new chapter,” he continued.
As part of its strategic development plan, Flynas acquired its 53rd A320neo aircraft recently, out of an order of 120 from Airbus.
Powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo is known for delivering unparalleled operating economics. The aircraft also features new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations, resulting in a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to any previous-generation widebody aircraft. The A330neo also scores high on the comfort quotient, with more passenger space, a new lighting system, the latest in-flight entertainment systems, and full connectivity throughout the cabin.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family will be able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which the European aviation giant wants to uplift to 100% SAF by 2030.
According to United Kingdom-based consulting firm Skytrax, the company further cemented its position as the top low-cost airline in the Middle East and one of the top four low-cost airlines worldwide when the next-generation model aeroplane touched down at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at that time.