Matribhumi Samachar English
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, December 16, 2024: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, is embarking on an ambitious phase of growth with significant fleet expansion and modernization initiatives designed to elevate the airline’s global stature and enhance its guests’ travel experience. These initiatives align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, supporting its goal to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global aviation hub.
Fleet Expansion: Investing in the Future of Air Travel
Saudia has unveiled plans for a substantial expansion of its fleet, cementing its status as a key player in the global aviation market through the following agreements:
- Boeing Agreement
In a landmark agreement, Saudia announced an order for 49 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. These fuel-efficient, long-haul jets will support the airline’s international expansion and enhance its ability to connect Saudi Arabia to major global destinations.
- Airbus Agreement:
Saudia has strengthened its fleet with a groundbreaking agreement to acquire 54 Airbus A321neo aircraft. These modern aircraft boast a spacious cabin with a stylish interior design. They’re equipped with the latest amenities and technology, ensuring a truly differentiated travel experience that prioritizes Saudia guests’ comfort and privacy whilst delivering an exceptional service. Additionally, these aircraft are environmentally efficient, offering reduced fuel burn and emissions, aligning with Saudia’s sustainability goals.
The new aircraft directly support Saudia’s objectives to connect the world with the Kingdom, aligning with several key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. These include the transportation and logistics objective to increase guests’ capacity to 330 million and expand destinations to 250 by 2030, and the tourism objective to attract 150 million visits by 2030. This is in addition to the Hajj and Umrah objective to contribute to the increase of Umrah pilgrim capacity to 30 million by 2030.
Fleet Modernization: Redefining Guest Experience
- Seat Retrofit Program with Collins Aerospace:
Saudia has partnered with Collins Aerospace to install newly designed Business and Economy Class seats on its incoming Boeing 787 fleet, beginning in early 2026. This partnership includes a comprehensive retrofit program for the airline’s Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 fleet, set to commence in late 2025 and conclude by 2027. All wide-body aircraft will feature private Business Class suites, delivering an unparalleled level of comfort and privacy. - Next-Generation In-Flight Entertainment with Panasonic Avionics:
Saudia has signed a major agreement with Panasonic Avionics to install its state-of-the-art Astrova in Saudia, equipping up to 30 aircraft with its cutting-edge Astrova in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) system. This advanced solution will feature ultra-HD 4K OLED screens and personalized entertainment options, elevating the passenger experience to new heights. The agreement includes installations on 12 Airbus A330s and 18 Boeing 777s, showcasing Saudia’s commitment to redefining digital experiences on board.
Commitment to Excellence
Saudia’s fleet expansion and modernization initiatives underscore its dedication to delivering a world-class travel experience. These investments in cutting-edge aircraft, advanced seating solutions, and premium in-flight entertainment set new standards for the aviation industry and solidify Saudia’s position as a leader in innovation and guest satisfaction.
About Saudia:
Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East’s largest airlines.
Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleets, with 144 aircraft. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia.
A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012.
Saudia was recently awarded the “World Class Airline 2025” for the fourth consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards. Saudia has also advanced 11 places in the Skytrax airlines ranking of the World Best Airlines 2023. The Airline also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium.
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