Flyadeal to Place Widebody Order for A330 or 787 by Year-End
Low-cost carrier flyadeal is set to significantly expand its international route network, announcing new flights as it considers its first widebody aircraft order to enhance long-haul services. The Jeddah-based airline, a subsidiary of the Saudia Group, reported that it will increase its operations between Saudi Arabia and Egypt to strengthen its presence in the North African market.
Beginning November 11, 2024, flyadeal will launch new routes from Jeddah (JED) to Sohag (HMB) and from Madinah (MED) to Cairo (CAI), both operated by Airbus A320 family aircraft. With these additions, the airline will operate 44 weekly flights connecting Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The new Madinah route marks the fourth Saudi city with direct flights to Cairo, joining Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
The airline’s expansion is driven by Cairo’s growing popularity as a destination for tourism, business, and family visits from Saudi travelers. The new Jeddah to Sohag service aims to tap into an underserved market and enhance connectivity between the two countries. Flyadeal also provides extensive pilgrimage charter flights for Umrah and Hajj, alongside seasonal charters to Sharm El-Sheikh.
During the Routes 2024 conference in Bahrain, CEO Steven Greenway highlighted that Egypt has become flyadeal’s largest international market. He emphasized the strategic significance of the Madinah to Cairo route, which will bolster the airline’s capacity during peak travel periods.
Looking ahead, Greenway mentioned that flyadeal’s international expansion is just beginning, with over 20 new routes planned in the coming months. The airline currently operates a fleet of 36 aircraft, including 11 A320-200s and 24 A320neos, with additional plans for wet-leased widebody aircraft throughout 2025.
To support its growth, flyadeal has ordered 58 new airplanes from Airbus, consisting of 19 A320neos and 39 A321neos. These aircraft are part of a broader deal signed by the Saudia Group in May 2024, aimed at bolstering both Saudia and flyadeal’s fleets.
As part of its expansion strategy, flyadeal intends to order its first widebody aircraft by the end of 2024, with the Airbus A330 and Boeing 787 under consideration. The new widebodies will include a premium cabin while focusing on high-density seating in economy. This shift will change the airline’s flight ratio from 80% domestic to 65% domestic and 35% international by late 2025, highlighting its commitment to international growth.
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