flyadeal Eyes Airbus Or Boeing Widebody Order

flyadeal, a low-cost Saudi Arabian carrier, is looking to add widebody aircraft to its fleet with a new purchase.

Once signed, likely sometime in the 2024 calendar year, the contract would include 10 to 20 aircraft.

Like Cathay Pacific, which is also studying new aircraft and eyeing an order placement, Flyadeal is seeking a midsized jet. As delivery slots become scarce, more airlines are looking to lock down future aircraft purchases.

While purchases made so far in advance have significant risks associated with them, they are believed to be incredibly important for the company. If airlines cannot lock down commitments now, they risk being unable to acquire aircraft directly from manufacturers when they require them later down the line.

Ultimately, this can result in being forced to look into the leasing market, which, while helpful, can potentially cause added stress on suppliers, airlines, and companies trying to source aircraft for their customers.

When speaking with Reuters, the airline’s CEO, Steven Greenway, highlighted the Airbus A330neo and Boeing 787 as the leading options. However, discussions are ongoing concerning selecting the most optimal choice.

flyadeal currently only operates Airbus aircraft, with 35 units listed as in service, including Airbus A320 and A330 family jets. The airline’s youngest fleet type is the A320neo, with 21 units listed as active.

Interestingly, the company already has three A330s: two A330-200s and one A330-300. These aircraft, however, are rather substantial in age, and the company is looking to modernise its fleet with more efficient and much younger widebodies.

A new aircraft purchase continues to align with Saudi Arabia’s goal of enhancing tourism and boosting capacity, among many other initiatives. In response to these ambitions, more airlines are purchasing aircraft to meet prospective demand.

flyadeal focuses explicitly on the A330neo and 787 because of their capabilities in the midsize market, which are deemed the most suitable. While other widebodies such as the A350 exist, this family of aircraft is considered too significant for what flyadeal requires.