Paul Meijers, Airbus' executive vice president of commercial transactions, and Flynas CEO Bander Al Mohanna holding pens at the MOU signing ceremony which took place during the Farnborough Airshow.
LONDON—Airbus announced a memorandum of understanding with Flynas for 75 Airbus A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900s during the Farnborough Airshow.
In a separate statement, Flynas announced headline numbers of 30 A330-900s and 130 A320neos. Airbus has confirmed that the disparity is because Flynas included additional purchase rights.
The commitment is the basis for further growth of Saudi Arabia’s currently largest low-cost airline. It also makes it a much bigger player in the widebody market with the A330neo commitment marking its first direct order for twin-aisle aircraft.
Flynas currently has a fleet of 64 A320neo family aircraft, which includes six leased A330s, according to the Aviation Week Network Fleet Discovery database.
The airline already has a firm order in place for 52 A320neos and 10 A321neos, according to Airbus data. Neither Airbus nor Flynas detailed what the split between the two narrowbody variants is in the new Farnborough agreement.
Saudi Arabia’s airline sector is evolving fast. In addition to Flynas, Saudia Group subsidiary Flyadeal is trying to become more established in the low-cost sector. As part of a larger group order, Flyadeal will receive 51 A320neos and plans to grow the fleet to around 100 aircraft in the next five years. It is also looking at placing an order for widebodies, CEO Steven Greenway told Aviation Week in June. Flyadeal wants to use the widebodies on services to India, with Jeddah-Calcutta sectors being the longest at about eight hours.
Flynas did not say where it plans to use the A330-900s, but India as well as all destinations in Europe and Africa are well within its range. The airline plans to equip the aircraft with a two-class cabin seating up to 400 passengers. Cebu Pacific, another LCC with a long-haul fleet, is flying the A330-900 with 459 seats. “The A330neo will enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim program,” Flynas CEO Bander Al Mohanna said.
Flynas did not reveal details about the planned delivery schedule. Airbus has said its single-aisle production is essentially sold out until 2031. There are earlier delivery slots for the A330neo.
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