Riyadh: flynas, Saudi Arabia's leading low-cost airline, has signed a major deal with Airbus to purchase 160 new aircraft, doubling the volume of its orders to 280 planes. This includes 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900 widebody jets.
The agreement was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow. This is a major global event for the aerospace industry, held in Farnborough, England. Key individuals present at the signing ceremony included: H.E. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej: President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, Ayed Al Jeaid: Chairman of NAS Holding Bandar Almohanna: CEO & Managing Director of flynas
Christian Scherer: Airbus CEO of Commercial Aircraft
Vision 2030
The initiative is aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a blueprint aimed at transforming the aviation sector and supporting flynas’ ambitious expansion under the slogan “We connect the world to the Kingdom.”
It propels the airline closer to its goal of becoming one of the world's top four low-cost carriers, while simultaneously connecting the Kingdom to a broader global audience.
KS aviation goals
The deal also aligns well with the Kingdom’s aviation goals, including tripling annual passengers to 330 million, expanding connectivity to over 250 destinations, and boosting air freight capacity to 4.5 million tons of cargo per annum by 2030.
“I congratulate flynas on this significant agreement, which reflects the rapid development and transformation of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector under Vision 2030,” President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz Al-Duailej said.
“This deal is pivotal for achieving the National Civil Aviation Strategy’s goal to connect the Kingdom with over 250 international destinations and increase passenger traffic to 330 million annually by 2030,” he added, also describing the growth and expansion of flynas as “truly remarkable.”
Flynas soars
Bander Al-Mohanna, CEO and managing director of flynas, said: “This agreement to purchase 160 Airbus aircraft reinforces our determination to establish flynas as a leading global low-cost carrier.”
He added that this is his firm’s first order for the wide-body A330neo with Airbus, with deliveries starting in 2027.
“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,” said the CEO,
Airbus CEO of Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer described the deal as “a significant milestone” for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft.
“The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus’ unique commonality,” Scherer said.
“Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort,” he added. “We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with flynas as they embark on this exciting new chapter.”
Award-winning performance
Earlier this month, flynas received its 53rd A320neo aircraft out of an order of 120 from Airbus as part of its strategic expansion plan.
Maintaining its market position
The arrival of the first next-generation aircraft at King Khalid International Airport marks a significant milestone for flynas, solidifying its leading position as the Middle East's top low-cost airline and placing it among the world's top four, according to Skytrax.