Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is expanding its fleet with 49 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in line with its plan to improve Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub.
The flag carrier will purchase 39 of the aircraft first, with fuel-efficient B787-9s and B787-10s. Another 10 aircraft are still to be ordered, says Boeing.
In total, Saudi Arabian carriers have recently announced their intention to purchase up to 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, in what will be the fifth-largest commercial order by value in Boeing's history. This will support the country's goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.
Saudia currently operates more than 50 Boeing aircraft on its long-haul network, including the B777-300ER and B787-9 and B787-10 Dreamliners.
"After more than 75 years of partnership, we are honoured by Saudia's confidence in Boeing products and will continue to support Saudi Arabia's goal to expand sustainable air travel,” says Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
