Saudi Arabia’s flyadeal Celebrates Three Airbus A320neo Deliveries
Saudia-owned low-cost carrier (LCC) flyadeal is celebrating its fourth anniversary on September 23, 2021, with the delivery of three brand new A320neos from Airbus. The Middle East’s fastest-growing airline shared details on its social media channels on September 15, 2021.
Speaking about how it exceeded growth expectations during challenging times, flyadeal says that its game-changing initiative has allowed it to become Saudia Arabia’s first successful LCC. The decision to create the King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)-based airline was inspired by the Saudi Vision 2030.
What is Saudi Vision 2030?
First announced by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on April 25, 2016, Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic plan to wean Saudia Arabia away from its dependence on oil. Saudia Arabia hopes that by diversifying its economy and developing public sectors, it can become less dependent on fossil fuels for revenue. Critical goals for Saudi Vision 2030 include:
- Reinforcing economic and investment activities
- Increasing non-oil international trade
- Developing tourism
- Promoting a softer and more secular image of the Kingdom
The vision also includes massive military spending aimed at the Kingdom being able to manufacture its own military equipment and ammunition.
flyadeal is targeting young people
During an event at the King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, to mark the arrival of the third new Airbus A320neo Director General Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, His Excellency Eng. Alomar said:
“flyadeal is a prime example of the Saudi vision 2030. It demonstrates the potential of the Kingdom’s aviation sector. Lower fares from flyadeal will enable more people to travel, encouraging trade and tourism.”
When flyadeal launched in 2017, it did so exclusively using digital and social media channels to demonstrate the fast-growing potential of the marketplace. flyadeal thinks that its youthful inviting brand and vibrant purple and lime-colored livery will appeal to young people.
When speaking about flyadeal’s approach in a company statement Con Korfiatis, CEO of flyadeal, said:
“We are designed for today’s price-conscious and tech-savvy customer and, in a market where 80% of the population is less than 40 and has at least two mobile phones. This is a country that is ripe for technological innovation and e-commerce.”
When flyadeal launched, it did so with a small fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft offering inexpensive seats on flights between Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. In less than a year, flyadeal had upped its weekly flights to 392, becoming the second-largest airline on the region’s highest traffic route.
flyadeal’s exceptional growth within the Saudi domestic market now sees the airline operating over 600 flights with a fleet of 15 Airbus A320 aircraft. In July, flyadeal began international operations with a new route between Riyadh and Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates. The Jeddah-based LLC has more international routes planned but is yet to announce them.
flyadeal will offer more international destinations
Regarding more international destinations, these will probably start to materialize as flyadeal receives more A320neos from Airbus. According to ch-aviation flyadeal now has four Airbus A320neos with a further 27 due to be delivered before 2025. flyadeal also has an option to purchase a further 20 A320neos from Airbus.
When speaking about the order with the European planemaker at the Paris Air Show in 2019, flyadeal CEO Con Korfiatis said:
“The Airbus A320neo aircraft features a brand-new seating concept, providing greater legroom and comfort for our customers. It features 60% more overhead storage space and a new ambient mood lighting concept. It will also deliver a more fuel-efficient performance and give us the range to open up more new destinations.”
flyadeal is currently operating 18 domestic routes within Saudi Arabia and is responsible for many firsts in the Kingdom, including employment opportunities for Saudi women to become pilots, cabin crew, or airport managers.
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