Flyadeal to Place New Airbus Aircraft Order and Upgrade the Existing One

JEDDAH- Flyadeal (F3), the low-cost carrier of Saudi Arabia, is contemplating the possibility of expanding its fleet of single-aisle Airbus aircraft and upgrading its existing order of 50 single-aisle jets as part of its strategy to expand its international route network.

Flyadeal, which operates an all-Airbus fleet, is exploring the option of converting its current order of A320neos and A321neos to aircraft with higher specifications, according to Steven Greenway, the new CEO of Jeddah-based carrier, as reported by The National.

Photo: Flyadeal

Flyadeal Airbus Order

This potential modification aims to increase the maximum take-off weight, enhance the performance of jet engines, and obtain ETOPS certification, enabling longer flights over water.

Furthermore, Flyadeal is contemplating augmenting the number of larger A321neos in its current order to address capacity constraints at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and the limited availability of landing slots at congested airports.

Once decisions regarding modifications to its existing order book are finalized, Flyadeal may consider placing a new order for Airbus A320neos and A321neos within the next two months, Mr. Greenway mentioned.

The scale of the new aircraft deal will be contingent on the modifications made to the current order.

“In an interview in Dubai, he mentioned that there will be forthcoming announcements regarding the fleet in the next few months.”

“We’re still evaluating the possibility of another order this year. Additionally, we can adjust the aircraft specifications according to our current order. We’re exploring both options.”

Photo: French painter

Long-Haul Expansion

The introduction of higher-specification aircraft and the potential for a new jet order will enable Flyadeal to enhance traffic flow into the long-haul operations of its sister airline, Saudia (SV), and extend its reach to more international destinations in South Asia and Europe beyond its primarily domestic network.

“As we further refine our model, we recognize the need for additional aircraft and increased range capability. For instance, during peak seasons like summer, a higher-specification aircraft is essential for routes to the subcontinent, which we currently lack,” explained Mr. Greenway.

“Our growth strategy involves expanding our collaboration with Saudia and considering derivative jets to address seasonal network challenges as we continue to broaden our horizons.”

The aircraft’s payload and range will play an increasingly vital role in Flyadeal’s fleet decisions as it expands its international route network.

Established in September 2017, Flyadeal aims to expand its fleet size from the current 32 aircraft to 100 within the next five years.

Photo: Niclas Karich

Current Order

According to the company, Flyadeal’s order book includes 30 A320 Neos initially ordered by Saudia at the Paris Air Show in June 2019, with an additional 20 single-aisle jets ordered subsequently.

These deliveries will facilitate fleet growth and replace older A320 aircraft as their leases expire over the next three to four years.

The airline’s growth strategy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil and foster development in the aviation sector to attract more international tourists.

As a state-owned entity, Flyadeal competes with Riyadh-based budget carrier Flynas, which recently announced plans to list its shares on the Tadawul stock exchange this year.

Photo: Flyadeal

Mr. Greenway, who assumed the CEO role at Flyadeal in January, succeeding Con Korfiatis, emphasized that sustainable growth and achieving end-of-the-decade targets are among his top priorities.

One-third of Flyadeal’s order book consists of A321 Neos, with deliveries slated to commence in 2026, while the remaining orders are for the smaller A320 Neos. Flyadeal’s A320 Neo aircraft are equipped with CFM LEAP-1A engines.

After reaching a fleet size of 50 aircraft, Flyadeal intends to begin exploring opportunities for establishing new bases, as there is considerable potential for further expansion, according to Mr. Greenway.

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