Saudi-Arabian Flag Carrier to Acquire Up To 121 787 Jets

Boeing and Jeddah-based Saudia announced on 14 March 2023 that the Saudi national flag carrier will add up to 49 787 Dreamliners to its long-haul fleet. Saudia plans to acquire 39 787s straight away while retaining options for an additional ten aircraft. By leveraging the Dreamliner’s proven efficiency, range, and flexibility, the air-carrier will effectively and profitably expand its global operations.

Saudia also announced its long-term plan to acquire as many as 121 787 Dreamliners—the fifth-largest commercial aircraft order in Boeing’s 107-year history. The dramatic expansion of its flag carrier’s wide-body fleet serves the Middle-Eastern nation’s goal of serving 330-million passengers and attracting 100-million visitors.

The near-term agreement, which pertains to both the 787-9 and the 787-10 models is part of the airline’s larger strategic plan to make the country a global aviation hub.

Saudia currently operates over fifty Boeing aircraft on its long-haul route network, including the 777-300ER, 787-9, and 787-10 Dreamliners. The additional 787s will supplement Saudia’s existing fleet, allowing the air-carrier to fully capitalize on the performance and value of Boeing’s 777 and 787 aircraft families.

Saudia Group director general His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar stated: “Saudia continues its expansion efforts in all aspects of the airline, whether it’s introducing new destinations or increasing the aircraft fleet. … The agreement with Boeing delivers on this commitment and the newly added aircraft will further enable Saudia to fulfill its strategic objective of bringing the world to the Kingdom.”

Boeing president and CEO of commercial airplanes Stan Deal remarked: “Adding to its 787 Dreamliner fleet will enable SAUDIA to expand its long-haul service with outstanding range, capacity, and efficiency. … After more than 75 years of partnership, we are honored by Saudia’s confidence in Boeing products and will continue to support Saudi Arabia’s goal to expand sustainable air travel.”

Since the type’s 2011 entry into service with launch customer All Nippon Airways (ANA), Boeing’s 787 family has set the benchmark for wide-body performance, efficiency, and long-haul profitability. The 787 burns twenty-percent less fuel than the 757 and 767 models it replaced, and offers air-carriers range of up to 8,500-nautical-miles. By dint of its excellent reliability and superb range the 787 has facilitated an airline-industry-wide shift from conventional hub-and-spoke travel to more profitable point-to-point routes. In all the type has occasioned the establishment of more than 350 new nonstop global routes, including fifty new routes since 2020.

FMI: www.boeing.com