The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's primary airline, Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), and Boeing announced a 39-plane order for fuel-efficient 787s with an additional 10-plane option. The national flag airline will expand its long-haul fleet by choosing up to 49 787 Dreamliners, taking advantage of the Dreamliner's exceptional efficiency, range, and flexibility to sustainably expand its global operation. In the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation Board of Directors, and Her Royal Highness Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the United States, the agreement was signed today. Both Mr. Brad McMullen, senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing at Boeing, and His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, signed the document. The Dreamliner uses 25% less fuel and emits 25% fewer pollutants than the aircraft it replaces, and the agreement will cover both the 787-9 and 787-10 versions.
The Honorable "The expansion in SAUDIA's fleet supports the continuous growth witnessed by the aviation sector in the Kingdom," stated engineer Saleh Al-Jasser. Along with other national policies in tourism, Hajj, and Umrah, the agreement will help achieve the goals of the National Transport and Logistic Strategy, the Saudi Aviation Strategy, and others. In line with Vision 2030, SAUDIA is dedicated to significantly enhancing its position by offering top-notch, cutting-edge services to the aviation sector and tying the entire world to the Kingdom.
"Saudai continues its expansion efforts in all aspects of the airline, whether it's adding new destinations or growing the aircraft fleet," said His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar. This commitment is fulfilled by the agreement with Boeing, and the newly acquired aircraft will help SAUDIA advance its strategic goal of bringing the world to the Kingdom.
"The deal is in addition to the existing order of 38 new aircraft SAUDIA is expected to receive by 2026, which will increase the current fleet of 142", he continued. "The addition of 787 Dreamliners will enable SAUDIA to expand its long-haul service with outstanding range, capacity, and efficiency," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. We are grateful for Saudi Arabia's continued support of Boeing products after more than 75 years of relationship and will continue to work with them to advance sustainable air travel.
On its long-haul network, SAUDIA now employs more than 50 Boeing aircraft, including the 777-300ER (Extended Range), 787-9, and 787-10 Dreamliner. The additional 787s completely complete SAUDIA's current fleet, allowing it to fully leverage the benefits of both the 777 and 787 families in order to contribute to the achievement of Saudi Arabia's strategic aim of becoming a major center for aviation.
New employment opportunities for pilots, cabin crew, and other operational positions will result from the expansion of SAUDIA's fleet. It is important to note that Saudi Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), a division of SAUDIA Group, would help by using its capabilities and knowledge to provide various sorts of maintenance for the B787. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted SAEI authorization to carry out A-checks, line maintenance, and heavy maintenance. They are also capable of performing B787 engine maintenance. The King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah's new MRO Village will have the resources and capacity needed to expand the B787's and other aircraft types' maintenance capabilities.
One of the goals of SAUDIA's strategic transformation program "SHINE," which aims to improve operational effectiveness through the development and administration of the network and fleet as well as the integration of maintenance systems, is to expand the fleet. It also has a strong emphasis on digital transformation, with a number of projects to enhance the travel experience for visitors and innovation in offering the best digital goods, services, connections, and infrastructure to support the ongoing expansion of the aviation and logistics industries.
