Saudi airline flynas to buy 160 Airbus planes

• Deal includes order of 30 wide-body A330neo aircraft and 130 narrow-body A320 family aircraft
• Head of flynas, Bander Al-Mohanna, said agreement ‘reinforces our determination to establish flynas as a leading global low-cost carrier’

RIYADH: Saudi low-cost airline flynas has signed a deal to purchase 160 Airbus aircraft, doubling the volume of its orders to 280 planes. 

The “landmark agreement,” signed at the UK’s Farnborough International Airshow, includes an order of 30 wide-body A330neo aircraft and 130 narrow-body A320 family aircraft, the carrier said in a statement.

This falls in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at transforming the aviation sector and supporting flynas’ ambitious expansion under the slogan “We connect the world to the Kingdom.” It also cements the carrier’s status as one of the top four low-cost airlines worldwide.

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.”

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, explaining that that this will enable the carrier to explore new long-haul markets and offer more seat capacity, with diverse and innovative products to their passengers.

Airbus CEO of Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer described thee 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.”

Earlier this month, flynas received its 53rd A320neo aircraft out of an order of 120 from Airbus as part of its strategic expansion plan. 

The next-generation model airplane touched down at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at the time, further consolidating the company’s position as the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East and one of the top four low-cost airlines globally, according to UK-based consultancy firm Skytrax.