JEDDAH: Saudi Arabian Airlines will receive nine new Airbus 320 planes before the end of this year from a total of 70 aircraft it had ordered for delivery by French and American manufacturers as part of the company’s move to modernize its fleet, this was announced by Khaled Al-Molhem, its director general.
Speaking to reporters after receiving the delivery of the first Airbus 320 plane at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Al-Molhem said Saudia had signed deals to purchase 70 new aircraft including 35 A320s, 15 A321s, eight A330s and 12 Boeing 787s. The new planes would strengthen Saudia’s competitiveness, he added.
“The Airbus A320 is the right aircraft for our ambitious fleet modernization plan. The aircraft combines operational efficiency as well as cabin comfort for our customers, and will enable Saudia to meet the rising passenger demands and expectations,” said Al-Molhem. He said the aircraft would soon join the airline’s fleet after the completion of registration and issuance of license by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, operating flights to domestic and international destinations. He indicated that A320s would operate to the European cities of Milan and Athens as well as Saudi cities.
Saudia’s A320 is the first to be equipped with a high bandwidth in-flight entertainment system making it an option on all airbus aircraft for the first time. Passengers can access high-speed interactive services such as full audio and video on demand.
The A320 family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly-by-wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range.
