SaudiGulf Airlines Signs Up For 10 Airbus A320neos

SaudiGulf Airlines has signed a purchase agreement to buy ten Airbus A320neo family aircraft in a deal worth about USD$1.1 billion at list prices.

The Saudi Arabian airline’s commitment was announced at the Bahrain Airshow, which runs until November 16.

“As a premium service boutique airline we are excited to be adding the A320neo to our fleet. This expansion is in keeping with our intention to see the Saudi aviation sector continue to develop and grow in support of the Saudi Vision 2030,” the chairman of the airline’s parent Al-Qahtani Aviation, Sheikh Tariq Abdulhadi Al Qahtani said.

Saudi Vision 2030 is the kingdom’s plan to reduce its dependency on oil, with the development of tourism a particular focus.

The new order will “contribute significantly to our network expansion in the region as well as internationally,” SaudiGulf’s chief executive Samer Majali said. “This order will be complemented with additional A320neo aircraft from the leasing market,” he added.

SaudiGulf Airlines launched in 2016 with a small domestic route network and expanded into international flying to Dubai and Pakistan. It currently operates a fleet of six A320ceos.