Global commercial aviation is once again turning its gaze toward the Middle East. Saudia, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, is engaged in preliminary talks with Boeing and Airbus for what could become the largest aircraft order in its history. This move is part of the Kingdom’s ambitious strategy to establish itself as a global hub for tourism and aerial connectivity.
Although negotiations are in the early stages and final decisions regarding models and quantities have not yet been made, the potential scale of the agreement is already sufficient to capture the attention of manufacturers and the industry as a whole.
An Order of at Least 150 Aircraft: Scope and Ambition
According to sources familiar with the discussions cited by Bloomberg, Saudia is evaluating the acquisition of at least 150 aircraft, including both narrow-body and wide-body models. This order would serve a dual strategic objective:
- Fleet Replacement: To replace part of its current fleet, which consists of approximately 200 aircraft.
- Capacity Increase: To expand total capacity in line with the projected growth of air traffic to and from the Kingdom.
The analysis considers models from both Boeing and Airbus. However, no specific aircraft families or versions have been selected yet—a key point that the market will follow closely in the coming months.
→ Riyadh Air Launches “Riyadh Cargo” and Enters Global Air Freight Market
Recent Background: A Fleet Strategy Already Underway
Far from being an isolated move, these talks are built upon significant fleet decisions made over the last two years.
Orders from Airbus: In 2024, Saudia signed an order for 105 Airbus narrow-body aircraft, reinforcing its commitment to operational efficiency and standardization on short- and medium-haul routes.
Orders from Boeing: A year earlier, the airline ordered more than three dozen Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with options for 10 additional units, consolidating its long-haul capabilities and its presence in intercontinental markets.
This balance between both manufacturers explains why the current competition is wide open, with no clear favorite.
Saudia’s New Role and the Emergence of Riyadh Air
The potential mega-order must also be viewed within the context of a structural reconfiguration of the Saudi aviation system.
Saudia, a state-owned airline with over 80 years of history, is being repositioned to focus on religious traffic, particularly the Hajj and Umrah—flows that are highly demanding in terms of capacity and reliability. In parallel, Riyadh Air, a newly created airline, will assume the role of a premium operator focused on international tourism. It will offer a high-value proposition when it begins operations.
This division of roles suggests that the eventual aircraft order may respond not only to growth but also to a clearer segmentation of fleet and missions.
Internal Transformation: Management, In-Flight Experience, and Connectivity
In recent years, Saudia has undergone a deep corporate transformation, laying the groundwork to absorb a large-scale fleet expansion:
- Leadership Renewal: The senior management team has been restructured with a focus on efficiency and international positioning.
- Strategic Alliances: Partnerships with sports teams have been established to strengthen the brand beyond the domestic market.
- Technological Innovation: An agreement has been reached to equip part of the fleet with SpaceX’s Starlink connectivity, a differentiating factor in passenger experience.
- Product Enhancement: There is a greater emphasis on the in-flight product, raising standards of comfort and service.
These initiatives reinforce the idea that any new aircraft order would not be merely quantitative but aligned with a more sophisticated value proposition.
For Boeing and Airbus, the opportunity is clear; for the industry, the message is equally so: the growth of Saudi air traffic is no longer a projection, but a reality in full acceleration.
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