Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has received its latest 320 Airbus. The plane landed at King Abdul Aziz International Airport recently and is part of Saudia's strategic plan to modernize its fleet. The acquisition brings its aircraft total to 102 including 33 Airbus 320s, five 321s and eight 330s. Khaled Bin Abdullah Almolhem, Director General of Saudi Airlines, said the new planes highlight the airline's efforts to increase the number of passengers flying Saudia and to meet the increasing demand for domestic and international flights. Saudia has increased the number of its domestic flights. It has recently started operating flights between Jeddah and Riyadh every hour, Dammam and Jeddah every two hours and Riyadh and Dammam every two and a half hours. In preparation for the purchase of this large consignment of new airplanes, the airline has prepared all operational requirements such as ground maintenance work and engine and technical services. To meet the dramatic increase in demand for air travel, Saudia seeks to purchase another 50 airplanes to be added to its fleet after it determines the best way to finance the purchase, Almolhem said. “Over the next few years, the fleet will grow to more than 150 airplanes which will enhance the position of Saudia as one of the largest airlines in the region and the world,” he said.
