Market Intelligence: -Airline Aircraft Orders

Saudia Group New Brand Prioritizes Growth, Expansion and Localization

Saudia Group, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines Holding Corporation, has unveiled its new brand identity as part of a comprehensive transformation strategy which included the rebrand of Saudia – the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia. The announcement comes as the Group reaffirms its commitment to driving aviation growth and shaping the future of the Kingdom’s aviation industry, in alignment with Vision 2030.

As an aviation conglomerate, Saudia Group represents a dynamic and comprehensive ecosystem within the aviation industry that plays a key role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s society and future. The Group consists of a diverse portfolio, comprising 12 Strategic Business Units (SBUs), which all support the advancement of the aviation sector, not only in the Kingdom but in the MENA region as well.

Saudia Technic, formerly known as Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), Saudia Academy, formerly known as Prince Sultan Aviation Academy (PSAA), Saudia Real Estate, formerly known as Saudi Airlines Real Estate Development Company (SARED), Saudia Private, formerly known as Saudia Private Aviation (SPA), Saudia Cargo, and Catrion, formerly known as Saudi Airlines Catering (SACC), all underwent a re-branding transformation in line with Saudia Group’s complete new brand strategy. The group also consists of Saudi Logistics Services (SAL), Saudi Ground Services Company (SGS), flyadeal, Saudia Medical Fakeeh, and Saudia Royal Fleet.

Each SBU, with its own service offering, is not only benefiting the whole Group, but is also expanding to accommodate the growing demand from around the MENA region. Saudia Technic is currently developing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) village. Considered the largest of its kind in the region, the village aims to localize manufacturing while becoming an authorized service center in the MENA region through partnerships with global manufacturing companies. Meanwhile, Saudia Academy has plans to transform into a specialized academy at a regional level, accredited by manufacturers and international organizations in the aviation sector. Additionally, Saudia Cargo continues to grow by connecting three continents to be a global logistics hub, while Saudia Private is expanding its operations by having its own aircraft and flight schedule. Saudia Real Estate is also following suit and investing in their properties to grow and enhance the real estate.

The launch of the new brand is part of the Group’s transformation strategy that began in 2015 to implement initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving the guest experience across all touchpoints. Saudia introduced the ‘Shine’ Program in 2021, which is an extension of this transformation journey and involves digital transformation and operational excellence.

Saudia Group is a key enabler in achieving the ambitious goals of the Saudi Aviation Strategy to transport 100 million visitors a year by 2030 and establishing 250 direct flight routes to and from Saudi airports, while facilitating the hosting of 30 million pilgrims by 2030. The Group is committed to creating job opportunities and supporting local businesses in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its Saudization goals.

His Excellency Ibrahim Al Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “This is an exciting time in the Group’s history.  The new brand offers much more than an evolution of our visual identity, but rather a celebration of all that we have achieved. We are  implementing a fully integrated program that will enable us to play a driving role in advancing Vision 2030, in line with the targets of the Saudi Aviation Strategy. We are committed to expanding the fleet of the group to 318 aircraft and serve 175 destinations. We are entering a new era, and we believe that we now have everything in place to deliver on our promise to bring the world to Saudi Arabia and demonstrate what the Kingdom has to offer from a tourism and business perspective.”

He added: “This transformation underscores the interconnection of all companies within the group, serving as providers of essential support services to diverse institutions within the aviation sector and beyond, ensuring excellence and world-class solutions that span from ground operations to the skies”.

Source: Saudia Group
Photo Credit: Saudia Group

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US Airline Places Order for Over a Hundred Narrowbody Boeing Jets

Boeing and Southwest Airlines announced the carrier is increasing its commitment to the fuel-efficient 737 MAX family with an order for 108 737-7s. The new deal supports Southwest’s modernization strategy and provides flexibility to expand its fleet.

“We have a long history with Boeing, dating back more than 50 years to the day we commenced service with three Boeing 737 aircraft serving three cities,” said Bob Jordan, president & Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Airlines. “They’re part of our history and part of our future as we continue to recognize the many efficiencies and cost savings of a single fleet.”

The 737 family has long served Southwest by helping fuel the airline’s continued growth. Southwest has placed over 300 orders for the 737-7, growing its orderbook to more than 500 737 MAX jets. Once certified, the 737-7 will join the carrier’s all-Boeing 737 fleet.

“With the world’s largest all-Boeing, all-737 fleet, Southwest is counting on the exceptional efficiency and reliability of the 737 MAX family,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737-7 is pivotal to Southwest’s long-term fleet modernization strategy, and we are honored to have the airline’s continued trust in us to deliver its future fleet.”

The 737-7 has the longest range in its class, capable of flying up to 3,800 nautical miles and carrying up to 172 passengers. The enhanced environmental performance of the 737 MAX allows carriers to reduce fuel use compared to the previous generation of airplanes. The 737 MAX is also quieter, creating a smaller noise footprint than older jets it replaces.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Southwest Airlines currently operates 812 Boeing B737.

Source: Boeing
Photo Credit: Boeing (shown as meta image)

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Hawaiian Air Charter Company Exercises Option for Another Tecnam P2012

Italy headquartered aircraft manufacturer TECNAM is proud to announce the confirmation of the fourth P2012 aircraft by Pacific Air Charter Inc. in Hawaii. Having taken delivery of the first Traveller in August 2023, immediately followed by the second in September 2023, and the third aircraft in the process of being delivered at the Tecnam plant in Capua – Italy, with this fourth aircraft, the fleet of Pacific Air Charters Inc. is growing rapidly to serve the Pacific market.

The P2012 Multi-Engine operations over water provide a significant safety advantage in the remote Pacific areas of operation, while benefitting of the Traveller’s very competitive operating costs, and thus making the P2012 a perfect match for the operational needs of the Company.

Known for offering its customers the ultimate in luxury and safety, Pacific Air Charters, Inc. is the premium provider of air charter services within the Hawaiian Islands and American Samoa. Passenger comfort was a key factor in the operator’s decision: All single seats are generously pitched with dedicated window and seat amenities, USB port, cup holder, seat pocket, armrest; dual air conditioning (which can also be operated on the ground via a DC power connection to “pre-cool” the aircraft prior to boarding) offer limousine levels of comfort and convenience.

The first P2012 Traveller, immediately after its arrival to Hawaii, demonstrated the platform versatility when a series of wildfires broke out in the US state of Hawaii in early August 2023, mainly on the island of Maui. The aircraft, operated by Pacific Air Charter Inc, had only been in Hawaii for 10 days when it was used to transport and deliver thousands of pounds of desperately needed food, medicine and other supplies to Maui and, on the return flights, evacuating those needing medical attention in Honolulu.

In recent days, Pacific Charter’s first P2012 has been transferred to operations in Samoa under the “Pago Wings” brand and has set another ferry range and endurance record for the type, flying 2261 nm in 15h05′ over the ocean between Kailua-Kona and Pago Pago.

Pat McNamee, Pacific Air Charters, Inc. Chief Operating Officer and 135 Director of Operations, said, “We are thrilled to be innovating the air transportation market in the area with a modern aircraft. The P2012 Traveller confirmed that this is the perfect platform for our operations. We are focused on premium services, but the aircraft offers many additional capabilities and expands our options.”

“Tecnam is bringing an efficient solution with a safe, reliable, multi-mission aircraft to the needs of the local communities in Hawaii and American Samoa. The fourth P2012 aircraft order confirmation is a recognition of the immediate benefits that Pacific Air Charter Inc has gained since the first Traveller acquisition. And with this last 15-hour ferry flight between Kailua Kona and Pago Pago, we have set a new record for a Tecnam!” Said Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 – Special Mission Platforms Sales & Business Development Manager.

About TECNAM; “Quality Aircraft since 1948”

Tecnam is an Italian aircraft manufacturer and one of the world’s leading piston aircraft manufacturers. Founded in 1948 by brothers Luigi and Giovanni Pascale, the company is headquartered in Capua, Italy, and operates two subsidiaries in Sebring, Florida, USA, and Brisbane, Australia, to serve and support the needs of local Tecnam owners and operators. Tecnam designs and manufactures a wide range of aircraft for personal use, commercial operations, business travel, flight training, surveillance, law enforcement and other specialised applications.

Source: TECNAM
Photo Credit: TECNAM

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