Middle East Flag Carrier to Receive More Than 12 New Aircraft in 2026

Saudi Arabia - Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, is set to receive 12 new passenger aircraft and multiple cargo aircraft by 2026, as part of an extensive 191-aircraft acquisition program covering both Saudia and its low-cost subsidiary flyadeal, according to Abdullah Al-Shahrani, Saudia’s Director of Corporate Communications. The large-scale expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aviation growth strategy, under which the nation aims to become a global aviation and logistics hub.

• In May 2024, Saudia Group announced the largest aircraft order in Saudi aviation history — 105 confirmed Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, including 50 units allocated to flyadeal.

• Deliveries for Saudia’s broader fleet program are scheduled to begin in 2026 and continue through 2032, expanding Saudia’s mainline fleet from 144 aircraft and flyadeal’s fleet from 32 aircraft toward a combined 275+ aircraft by the next decade.

• Saudia also plans to purchase dedicated cargo aircraft, with increased freight capacity across its passenger fleet to meet surging e-commerce and logistics demand.

Source: Saudia Group