Saudia weighs bumper jetliner order to reach 250-strong fleet

Saudia weighs bumper jetliner order to reach 250-strong fleet

Saudi Arabian Airlines is contemplating an aircraft order from Airbus or Boeing Co. that could total well above 100 jets as part of a push to lure more tourists. The carrier is targeting a fleet of 250 aircraft by 2030, adding around 100 for growth while renewing a significant chunk of an existing 150-plane fleet, chief executive officer Ibrahim Koshy said in an interview on Monday. Most of the requirement is for twin-aisle planes, though options for Airbus narrow-bodies could be converted to firm orders. Known as Saudia, the airline had an order blueprint ready at the end of 2019 as part of the government’s Vision 2030 plan to reduce the economy’s dependence on oil. But it was put on hold after the coronavirus pandemic grounded flights, and the fleet study has been revised several times, Koshy said. The company is now resolved to make a firm decision on purchases next year. “We are in close negotiations with Airbus and Boeing for the wide-body fleet order,” the CEO said at the Dubai Airshow. “We have the narrow-body orders currently secured, though the fleet plan may determine additional planes.” Deliveries would most likely come beyond 2024 once demand is more fully