General Atomics

Saudia Group orders 10 Airbus A330-900s for flyadeal

Saudia Group has disclosed an order with Airbus for 10 A330-900 aircraft for its subsidiary flyadeal.



Image copyright Airbus

It marks the first widebody order for the subsidiary and paves the way for new long-haul services and enhanced passenger experience, whilst advancing the airline’s goal of operating the youngest fleet among the Middle East’s low-cost airlines.

The agreement was announced at a signing ceremony held at Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse in the presence of His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, Saleh Eid, Vice President of Fleet Management and Agreements at Saudia Group and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.

H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar stated: "This deal marks a pivotal milestone in our ambitious strategy to modernise and expand our fleet. It builds on last year’s historic deal with Airbus for 105 aircraft. This step aligns with our national strategies under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to connect 250 destinations and facilitate the travel of over 330 million travelers and 150 million tourists by 2030”.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said: “Saudia Group’s A330neo order for flyadeal marks a key step in advancing the Kingdom’s aviation ambition to unlock long-haul markets and attract new customers. The A330neo’s proven versatility, new generation efficiency, and excellent passenger experience will perfectly support Saudia Group’s strategic growth and solidify their position as a global aviation leader. We look forward to seeing the versatile champion fly in flyadeal colours."

Saudia Group ordered 105 Airbus aircraft, including 54 A321neo aircraft for flyadeal in May 2024. Currently, flyadeal operates a fleet of 37 A320 Family aircraft and Saudia a fleet of 93 A320 Family and A330 aircraft.

Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nm / 13,300 km non-stop.

At the end of March 2025, the A330 Family had won over 1,800 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and is targeting up to 100% SAF capability by 2030.

Related

CAA cuts red tape to accelerate airspace modernisation and support drone innovation
UK airspace modernisation NATS
CAA cuts red tape to accelerate airspace modernisation and support drone innovation
The UK CAA is streamlining its CAP1616 airspace change process, cutting regulatory burdens for modernisation, drones and new aviation technologies.
Aerospace

15 Sep 2026

Global Technologies Racing becomes GTR Composites Group
GTR Composites Group assembly
Global Technologies Racing becomes GTR Composites Group
The company has rebranded to reflect its development as a composite engineering specialist, delivering solutions for sectors including aerospace and defence.
Digital Catapult launches Industry Challenge Led Accelerator
UK Digital Twin Centre
Digital Catapult launches Industry Challenge Led Accelerator
The new Digital Catapult programme enables UK SMEs to connect with industry leaders to accelerate digital twin adoption and explore the application of deep tech innovations in the aerospace and defence sectors.
DVD2026: Five key defence trends shaping the British Army’s future
Image: DVD
DVD2026: Five key defence trends shaping the British Army’s future
From vehicle modernisation and autonomous warfare to digital integration and a new approach to SME access, DVD2026 is set to offer some important clues about where the UK Armed Forces’ land capability and procurement projects are heading.
Defence Events

15 Sep 2026

British Army riflemen test new anti-drone tactics
Riflemen shooting down drones
British Army riflemen test new anti-drone tactics
Soldiers from the British Army have trialled a new approach to countering drone threats, combining acoustic and radio frequency sensors, section weapons and the Mossberg 590M shotgun, to detect, track and neutralise attack drones.
Defence

15 Sep 2026

Global Technologies Racing becomes GTR Composites Group
GTR Composites Group assembly
Global Technologies Racing becomes GTR Composites Group
The company has rebranded to reflect its development as a composite engineering specialist, delivering solutions for sectors including aerospace and defence.
AccelerComm awarded ESA regenerative 5G satellite network contract
5G NTN
AccelerComm awarded ESA regenerative 5G satellite network contract
The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected AccelerComm to help build one of Europe's first regenerative 5G base stations that directly run onboard satellites, shifting away from today's 'bent-pipe' satellites that simply relay signals back to the ground.
Member News Space

15 Sep 2026

The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?
ADS Advance magazine - the drone age- is out today
The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?
Leading experts examine where UK drone capability is advancing, where gaps remain and what industry and government need to fix next.
Skyrora completes hot-fire testing of advanced LEO engine
Skyrora engine test
Skyrora completes hot-fire testing of advanced LEO engine
Skyrora has conducted hot fire testing of its LEO engine at its Midlothian facility in Loanhead, demonstrating the potential of stronger, lightweight parts for future propulsion systems.
Member News Space

11 Sep 2026

UK defence tech firms struggle to turn successful trials into contracts
British Army
UK defence tech firms struggle to turn successful trials into contracts
A Barclays report finds strong confidence among UK defence tech firms but warns procurement and finance barriers are making it harder for companies to scale.
Defence Security

15 Sep 2026

The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?
ADS Advance magazine - the drone age- is out today
The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?
Leading experts examine where UK drone capability is advancing, where gaps remain and what industry and government need to fix next.
Isembard opens London’s largest factory since WWII
Isembard's global HQ and factory in Southwark
Isembard opens London’s largest factory since WWII
By opening the capital's largest factory since the Second World War in Southwark, Isembard is establishing a global head office that will also serve as a working precision factory that will enhance sovereign capability and deliver solutions for aerospace, defence and robotics customers, worldwide.
Aerospace Defence Security

14 Sep 2026