flyadeal Set to Order 10 A330-900neo Jets

Saudia-owned low-cost carrier flyadeal appears set to make a significant fleet expansion by ordering 10 Airbus A330neos—its first ever foray into widebody aircraft. According to Reuters, the carrier is expected to finalize an agreement with Airbus within the next few weeks. The potential deal comes as flyadeal evaluates the A330-900, even as it briefly considered the Boeing 737 MAX 9.

At the recent Routes 2024 event in Bahrain, flyadeal CEO Steven Greenaway confirmed the airline’s ambition to place its inaugural widebody order by the end of 2024. “This marks a key milestone for flyadeal as we look to expand our international reach,” Greenaway said. The move signals an ambitious step towards broadening the airline’s route network, especially for longer-haul services, while maintaining its low-cost model.

The new Airbus A330neos are expected to feature a modest premium cabin alongside high-density seating in economy class. This configuration is designed to offer enhanced comfort for long-haul passengers, while simultaneously ensuring that the airline continues to cater to cost-conscious travelers. The decision to include a premium cabin reflects flyadeal’s commitment to quality service and evolving customer expectations, even as it expands its operations.

Earlier in June 2024, reports emerged that the Saudia Group had been in discussions with both Boeing and Airbus regarding the acquisition of new widebody aircraft. This potential purchase follows a confirmed order announced in May 2024 at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, where flyadeal committed to an order for 12 Airbus A320neos and 93 Airbus A321neos as part of its broader fleet expansion strategy. Based on ch-aviation data, 18 A320neos and 39 A321neos were already scheduled to integrate into flyadeal’s growing fleet from the 105 total aircraft order.

Currently, flyadeal operates a fleet of 36 aircraft, which includes 10 Airbus A320-200s and 25 Airbus A320neos, along with one additional Airbus A330-200 on lease from Jordan Aviation. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the airline has rapidly expanded its footprint within the region. The anticipated addition of widebody aircraft represents a further evolution of its business model, enabling it to serve more distant international markets and capitalize on growing demand for both leisure and business travel.

The strategic acquisition of the A330neo is viewed as a natural progression for flyadeal as it seeks to diversify its fleet while enhancing its network connectivity. For a low-cost carrier that has traditionally focused on short- and medium-haul routes, the introduction of a widebody jet not only increases capacity but also opens up new revenue streams from long-haul operations. This fleet diversification could prove pivotal in strengthening flyadeal’s competitive position in the increasingly dynamic aviation market in the Middle East and beyond.

For now, industry analysts and customers alike are watching closely as flyadeal prepares to transition into the widebody arena. The airline’s bold fleet expansion, coupled with its strong market fundamentals, suggests that its first widebody acquisition could be a game-changer. As flyadeal finalizes discussions and moves towards an official announcement, the world’s eyes will be on its next steps—heralding a new era for the carrier and setting the stage for its future in long-haul travel.

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